By Chris Parker
Plato boys basketball graduated both of its all-conference players from last season’s 15-win team. Three varsity players return for the Eagles in coach Collin Holzer’s second season with the program.
That group of three returning players includes Graham Todd, Colby Wilson and Lane Johnson.
Todd scored 7.1 points per game last year with 3.7 rebounds and 29 total steals.
“Graham is the ‘heartbeat’ of our team,” Holzer said. “He is one of the hardest workers I have been around, the team follows his example. Last year he had his best shooting season, through the time he has put into his game, he and I both look to see that improve.”
Johnson is the team’s leading returning scorer who averaged 10.7 points and 7.5 rebounds per game.
“Colby will be taking over the point guard responsibilities this year for us,” Holzer said. “Colby has had a really good offseason to help run our offense. He plays with really good offensive pace. He is always looking to push ahead to his teammates and keep everyone engaged offensively.”
Wilson scored 2.4 points per game off the bench last season.
“Lane will be one of the focal points of our offense this season,” Holzer said. “He is coming off of a really strong sophomore season. He is a really good low post scorer with a good jump shot. We will rely on him for more than just scoring though, he will continue to be a presence defensively and be tough for anyone in the rebounding game.”
Drew Woodruff (sophomore), Tanner Atterberry (sophomore), Ryan Steinbrink (junior), Hayden Pinkston (junior), Jason Turner (junior), Isaac Turner (senior) and Cole Waters (senior) will be newcomers to the varsity lineup.
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Woodruff has shown improvement in the off-season.
“Drew has made great strides in his game; he has taken his offseason really seriously,” Holzer said. “He is a good athlete that is versatile offensively and defensively. We will look for him to fill some of the production that we lost to graduation.”
Plato will look to play through the post on offense this season.
“We have a good post player that we can let score from the blockers and I have several guys who can get themselves all the way to the rim off the dribble,” Holzer said. “Interior scoring will be a priority in our offense.”
Plato opens the season on Nov. 22 at Norwood.
“Offensive production will come and go,” Holzer said. “We want our identity to be a team that can defend, rebound, make the extra pass and consistently take care of the ball.”
