By Chris Parker
McCauley Catholic boys basketball returns seven players who saw action in a majority of the varsity games for last season’s 17-win team.
Defense will be what the Warriors hand their hat on.
“We have held teams to 45 points a game the last two seasons and this team is capable of guarding at a high level,” McAuley Catholic head coach Tony Witt said. “We will need to play with passion defensively and finish off defensive possessions to give us a chance to win ball games.”
None make more of an impact defensively than senior Michael Parrigon. Parrigon averaged 3.8 steals per game along with 11.1 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game. He was named first-team all-conference and all-district.
“Michael has been a starter running the point since his freshman year,” Witt said. “He is a dynamic athlete and an excellent leader. We will look for him to build off a solid junior season and be the catalyst for us on both ends of the floor.”
Junior Alex Bohachick is a returning two-year starter who will look to increase his production from 7.3 points and 5.8 rebounds per a game. Fellow junior Connor Taffner started all 28 games last season and averaged 6.1 points and 3.6 rebounds per game.
Seniors Tripp Miller and Brek Sickman also return. Miler is a tough defender with positional versatility. Sickman is an athletic and strong rebounder.
Juniors Max Anreder and Trae Veer round out the returning players.
Sophomores Rylan Childers and Will Mollnow along with freshmen Eiler Anderson, Gavin Anderson and Thomas Perrin will look to make immediate varsity impacts.
Witt hopes the see the offense catch up with the defense this season.
“We need to be better offensively,” Witt said. “We need to do a better job of taking care of the basketball and need to avoid long scoring droughts. We cannot give points away and not score at the same time and expect to find success.”
McAuley Catholic opens the regular season on Nov. 26 at home against Liberal.
