By Chris Parker
McAuley Catholic boys basketball returns two starters and a sixth man from last season’s district runner-up squad.
Those three are senior Jeffery Horinek, junior Joe Staton and sophomore Rocco Bazzano.
Horinek started in 20 of 25 games last year averaging 2.7 points and 3.8 rebounds per game.
“He is a solid post defender and rebounder,” McAuley Catholic head coach Tony Witt said. “We will need him to take on a bigger role this year on both ends of the floor.”
Staton started 24 games last year and averaged 2.2 points per game.
“Joe is a crafty guard who loves to play defense,” Witt said. “He has a high basketball IQ and is a natural born leader.”
Bazzano was the team’s sixth man last year who averaged 4.2 points per game.
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“He played significant minutes in every game and is our returning leading scorer,” Witt said. “He is a good shooter and has worked on being a scorer.”
Kable Reichardt (junior), Kevin Tran (senior), Jacob Bracich (senior) and Bradley Wagner (sophomore) all saw action at the varsity level last year.
Witt on Reichardt: “Kable Reichardt came on strong at the end of the year and played key minutes in the district semifinal and finals.”
Witt on Tran: “Kevin Tran is a solid defender and good shooter. He will provide depth for us as an off guard.”
Witt on Bracich: “Jacob Bracich has a long wingspan and can play inside and out. He will provide depth at several positions with his versatility.”
Witt on Wagner: “Bradley Wagner is great in the mid-range and a good defender. He is good interior passer and does an excellent job guarding bigger posts. He will provide depth for our posts and can play outside as well.”
Senior Declan Berkstressor, junior Noah Black and freshman Michael Parrigon are newcomers to watch.
Witt on Berkstressor: “Declan suffered a knee injury during the summer but should be back by the start of the season. He adds depth in the post for us.”
Witt on Black: “Noah returns to us this year after sitting last year out. He is a long, athletic guard who lives in the gym. He is a good shooter and knows how to get to the free throw line.”
Witt on Parrigon: “Michael is a dynamic athlete who loves to compete. He is explosive in the open floor and has great lateral quickness. His tough-nosed mindset will help us on both ends of the floor.”
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Stout defense and taking care of the ball will be keys to McAuley Catholic’s success this year.
“For us to reach our full potential, we will have to be solid defensively,” Witt said. “We must collectively guard the ball without fouling and finish off possessions by limiting teams to one shot. Offensively, it is essential for us to value the basketball and give ourselves opportunities to score. We also need to come out and play 32 minutes each night. We cannot spot teams points or wait to show up until the second half to find success.”
McAuley Catholic opens the regular season on Nov. 23 at Liberal.
“The expectation for this group is to compete every day. We must compete in everything that we do and learn how to play at a high level for us to take the next step,” Witt said. “Our identity will be on the defensive end. We are going to have to be solid defensively to be in ball games and that will be an emphasis for us all year.”
