By Chris Parker
Lockwood boys basketball returns a group of five upperclassmen from last season’s 15-win team.
The returning players are adept with head coach Ethan Baker’s system and expectations.
“I believe that we have a group of boys that will compete extremely hard,” Baker said. “They have been able to find success in their high school athletic careers by being disciplined and playing within a system. We will ask them to do the same this basketball season.”
The returning players include Hank Eggerman (senior), Henry Schnelle (senior), Izaac Taylor (senior), Logan Pittsenbarger (junior) and Nik Thieman (junior).
Baker on Eggerman: “Hank exemplifies toughness. A gritty player that leads by example with his effort. He does things you simply can’t always teach. On top of that, he proved last year that he can be an effective distributor.”
Baker on Schnelle: “Henry is our returning leading scorer and rebounder. He can be a versatile offensive player and his length can give teams issues when we are on the defensive end. We may change how we use him slightly this year, but we will need similar production from him.”
Baker on Taylor: “Izaac came on strong towards the end of last year. He is someone I can depend on for effort and that I can trust to make good basketball decisions.”
Baker on Pittsenbarger: “Logan physically has gotten a little bigger and stronger from last season. That combined with his effort on the floor could carve out a solid varsity role for him.”
Baker on Thieman: “Nik is a natural athlete. He was able to have success last year playing in a system that I don’t feel put him in the best position to utilize his strengths. For us to be our best version, Nik will have to be a focal point of what we do.”
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Eggerman averaged 10.3 points and 8.3 rebounds per game. Thieman was just behind Eggerman at 9.7 points per game while pulling down 4.5 rebounds per game. Eggerman led the returning group in assists (3.8 apg) and steals (2.1 apg).
Freshmen Sean Contreras, Braxton Garver, Roper Gray and Landy Ogden along with sophomore Owen Patterson will be newcomers.
Lockwood will look to be more detailed oriented on defense and efficient on offense this season.
“I would say that in order to reach our full potential, we have to get better in two main areas,” Baker said. “Our team was able to be solid statistically on the defensive end last year, but we have to do a better job of being detail oriented with our defensive assignments and reads. Secondly, we have to become more efficient offensively. That comes down to executing what we want on offense, making shots and having great shot selection.”
Lockwood opens the regular season Nov. 27 through Dec. 2 at its home tournament.
“I will consider it a successful season if I see us play in a physical, disciplined way, controlling game tempo and being detail oriented,” Baker said. “If we do those things, I believe success will follow.”
