After coming off a winning season last year, which ended in District Final play, Boys Varsity Head Coach Stephan Henning said he is looking to his senior leadership for the 2014-15 season.
‘Our projected starters have all faced adversity by starting the season 0-5 last year and finishing the season with a 13-game win streak,? Henning said. ‘We will rely on our quickness at the guard position and many of our spots on the floor will be interchangeable.?
‘We want to play an up-tempo game while having an emphasis on court balance,? he cotninued. ‘We will rely heavily on our seniors such as Mason Vires, Connor Elzerman, and Delxino Alexander to lead this team the correct way and still play with a chip on their shoulders because none of them have scholarship offers.?
Henning said Vires, who transferred from Clarkston, is ‘tough.?
‘He can shoot from the 3-point or the midrange,? he added.
He described Elzerman as a ‘great shooter and ball handler,? while Alexander has a ‘complete all-around game and will be our best defender.?
Other returnees include senior Jeremy Mullen and sophomore Jamal Thomas.
‘Jeremy has improved greatly, can shoot the three and defends well,? Henning said. Jamal will be our leader. He has great passing ability, sees the floor well and has high expectations.?
Henning also welcomed eight new players to the varsity this year, including sophomores Jordan Jaden and Ray Luvine; junior Marc McCallister and seniors Jordan Henry, Matt Marney and Martiez Foster.
He noted that he’s excited for this year’s team for a ‘number of reasons.?
First of all, this is my second year coaching and I have a group of return (players) that are familiar with my pace, verbiage, and expectations of each player’s effort and attitude,? he said. ‘I am also excited for this season because I have a few players that can potentially play at the collegiate level and are willing to put in the extra work to get better and make the players around them better.?
Henning noted that they moved from the OAA White Division to the OAA Blue Division this season.
‘There are many good teams in this league such as West Bloomfield, Avondale, Groves,? he said.
But the teams they are the most excited to play includes their season starter at Lake Orion on Dec. 11 and the Oakland County Showcase against Southfied Lathrup on Dec. 13.
‘We also get to play Orchard Lake St. Marys at home this year,? he said.
Despite winning the league title last year, Henning said the goal of the season is the same as it was last year, ‘to be playing our best basketball at the end of the season.?
‘I do not want to base the success of this team by wins and losses, but I want everyone person to come to practice motivated to get better and keep everyone accountable,? he said. ‘Of course we want to win districts and hopefully go to regionals but my goal is to have the best season possible for the seniors on this squad.?