By Chris Parker
Marionville boys basketball returns two starters and eight lettermen from last year’s 20-win team. The Comets lost to Verona in the Class 2 District 12 semifinals.
It was a loss that has motivated the returning players all off-season.
“Last season left a bad taste in everyone’s mouth, and we are working to keep that from happening again this year,” said Marionville head coach Rob Guerin. “We will learn from our past experiences and use that as motivation to continue to push each other to improve every day.”
First-team All-Southwest Conference honoree Wil Carlton and honorable mention selection Blane Young lead the returning players.
Carlton, a four-year starter, averaged 16 points, 7 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.7 steals per game as a junior.
“Carlton is a four-year starter and plays basketball year-round,” Guerin said. “His skillset and experience level sets him apart from many others.”
Young averaged 10.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1 steal per game as a junior.
“Young is a threat from outside as well as strong enough to take the ball to basket and score,” Guerin said. “He rebounds well from outside and sees the floor well.”
Kolby Ghan rounds out the returning seniors for Marionville. He saw action in 11 games last year.
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The returning junior class is deep with Gage Guerin, Hugh Eaton, Garrett Grimm and Isaac Stimpson.
Guerin played in 24 games as a sophomore averaging 7 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game.
“Gage Guerin is a solid guard that is a threat from deep and sees the floor well,” coach Guerin said. “Moving him away from the point guard position may allow him to be a bigger threat.”
Eaton averaged 1.5 points and 1.4 rebounds per game in his sophomore season.
“Eaton is a strong player that rebounds well and can finish around the rim,” Guerin said. “He played valuable minutes last year and could have a bigger role this year.”
Grimm and Stimpson both saw limited varsity action last year playing in 10 and 7 games, respectively.
“Grimm is our utility player; he can play almost any position and works hard every time he is on the floor,” Guerin said. “Stimpson can fill any guard role and needs to continue to develop his shot.”
Brayden Bellah saw action in eight varsity games as a freshman and will look to make more of an impact this year.
“Bellah is quick and can spring off the floor quickly. His athletic ability makes some tough matchups,” Guerin said.
Sophomores Owen Willis, Angel Quezada, Eli Epperson and David Brown along with freshmen Bryer Guerin, Cash Pomeroy and Sawyer Jones will all look to make immediate varsity impacts.
Willis will look for time in the post.
“Willis has been gaining experience and learning every day. He could potentially see minutes in the paint this year,” Guerin said.
Bryer Guerin will look to carve out a role.
“Bryer Guerin is a solid player that could potentially see playing time early and often,” Coach Guerin said. “He needs to continue to grow and develop his game to become a major contributor.”
Pomeroy and Jones also have potential to make immediate impacts at the varsity level.
“Pomeroy is a strong player that doesn’t mind being physical. He needs to continue to work on fundamentals and how to use his body more efficiently,” Guerin said. “Jones is a guard that sees the floor and can be a threat from outside. He needs to become stronger and more physical to make a solid impact.”
Marionville will open the season Nov. 28-Dec. 3 with the Marionville Tournament.
“The team came in this summer and worked hard to continue to improve,” Guerin said. “We lost some good seniors and adjusted some roles for others this summer. We also have a few newcomers that could be competing for varsity roles or possibly starting. This makes practice more competitive and makes everyone better. The group played well together this summer and competed on a daily basis. We need to continue to improve every day to be able to compete at the level that is expected of them.”
