The Sarcoxie boys have a strong core of leadership behind three seniors heading into coach Andy Hogenmiller’s fourth season at the helm and coming off of an 11-15 season last year.
Devon Middleton, Alfred Velasquez and Chris Comerford are those three returning senior starters. Middleton averaged 13.9 points per game to go with 5.6 rebounds and 3.1 steals per game last year. Velasquez added in 8.1 points and 3.7 rebounds per game. Comerford, a football star for the Bears, rounded out the group with 5.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 2.0 steals per game.
“The three seniors have started since they were sophomores, and their experience is something that can really help our team,” Hogenmiller said. “This season has a different feeling to it that the years past, but we will see what we can do. Hopefully we can surprise some teams.”
There will be a strong group of eight players behind the three seniors that will give Sarcoxie a lot of depth to work with.
CLICK HERE FOR THE WINTER SPORTS PREVIEWS
“Our depth will be a strength this season, especially compared to years past,” Hogenmiller said. “Practices should be extremely competitive because our lineup could change each and every day.”
Those players are: juniors Eli Meyer and Nathan Ogle; sophomores Spencer Caddick, Izaya Swayne, Cristian Velasquez, Haydon Kisling, and Michael Healey; freshman Michael Misner.
With a strong mix of experience and depth, Hogenmiller hopes his team turns a corner this season and climbs back above .500.
“I’m expecting us to be a team that is expecting to win rather than in the past, we were just hoping to be in some games and maybe win some games,” Hogenmiller said. “If we do the little things, they will lead to the results we are looking for.”
Sarcoxie opens the season on Nov. 21 at Wheaton.
