2018-19 BOYS BASKETBALL PREVIEW: S-VE LOOKS TO BATTLE TOUGH (2018-11-30)
BY TIM TAYLORTioga County Sports ReportSPENCER - S-VE battled a couple of key injuries last season, finishing with a 5-11 overall record (4-9 in the IAC South Small School division). Head coach Jeremy Kastenhuber hopes to improve on that this time around.
"Last season, we suffered two season-ending injuries to Wilson Cooper and Brian Gillette," Kastenhuber said. "Cooper has made a complete recovery and his size and athleticism will help us tremendously. Unfortunately, Gillette is still recovering and will miss the start of the season. We hope to have him back after Christmas as he makes us better at both of ends of the floor. "
The Panthers have a solid returning crew that includes Nathan Mack, Noah Mack, James Sutherlin, Ben VanGalder, Wilson Cooper, and Christian Kunzman.
In addition, Spencer brings in newcomers Blaine Whitmarsh, Matthew Byrne, Matthew Merrick and Levi Mickelson.
"I am expecting my seniors, Nathan Mack, Ben VanGalder and Wilson Cooper, to lead the way on the floor as we feature three sophomores that will play a large role this season for us," Kastenhuber said. "James Sutherlin played a lot of minutes on varsity last year for us and Matthew Byrne and Matt Merrick are good players who will allow us to space the floor and play to our strengths. Junior Noah Mack started last year as a sophomore and I expect him to be one of our floor leaders as well. We are excited to have Christian Kunzman back and healthy from a dinged up season last year and Levi Mickelson returns from a year off and he hustles all over the floor.
Zachary Sherwood, Timothy Steiner and Jacob Grier graduated.
"We have high expectations for our season," said Kastenhuber. "We return the bulk of our team from last year and we have a great mix of size and speed. We have worked incredibly hard this off season to make sure that we are able to compete at the top of our division and the league and ultimately the section.
"I am excited to kick off our season vs. T-burg tonight!"
