2005-2006 Boys' Basketball Preview
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Opportunity—an appropriate or favorable time or occasion.
This upcoming season for the Blake Boys’ Basketball program is all about taking full advantage of the opportunities in front of them. Take a look at the top as first year head coach Nick Rathmann hopes to seize all that is in front of him this coming year and build a program that can maintain competitiveness for years to come. Life is not always easy in the Tri-Metro conference, arguably one of the most competitive conferences in the state. Early season favorites include perennial powerhouse DeLaSalle and Saint Bernard’s.
The varsity team looks to continue building on their strong finish last season. The Bears won 5 of their last 7 games including wins over higher ranked Concordia Academy and first round playoff opponent Saint Anthony High School. If the Bears can pick up the energy and effort that they left off with last season, then mix in a few new twists on offense and defense, the hopes are that this combination can land the Bears in the top third of the conference.
New assistant coach Sean Kruger is a welcomed addition. Owner of Minnesota Basketball Association, Coach Kruger has extensive first hand knowledge of the level of basketball in Minnesota and what it takes to succeed. Players will benefit from his experience, attention to detail and positive “can-do” attitude.
Back from last year’s team are seniors Chad Rich (captain, honorable mention all-conference), Michael Cathcart (captain), Nigel Sharper, and Shane Svenpladsen. A welcome addition to the team this year will be senior Drew Percival (6’9, 260 lbs). Coach Rathmann hopes this senior class will set the tone for years to come.
The junior class continues the theme of opportunity, as many of theme will be competing for minutes on the varsity team. Leading the way is junior all-conference guard Blake Williams (19.6 ppg). Other juniors expected to contribute this season will be forwards Charlie Lannin, Sam Kozloff, Matt Gallivan, and Ryan Jach.
Not many varsity teams expect anything out of their sophomore class, but this class is an exception to that rule. Packed full of talent and skill, sophomore guards Andy Ellwein, Jimmy Yablonski, and Stuart Davis will be looked upon to handle the backcourt duties. Strong post play from Tyler Hoeg and Tyler O’Donnell early in the season at the JV level could have them seeing varsity minutes by the end of the year.
Look for a balanced style of play from the Bears this coming season. Coach Rathmann hopes to direct the show while at the Junior Varsity level for the second year will be Coach Caleb Sieh. Coach Sieh displays a very strong work ethic focused on the development of his junior varsity players, as evident by the strong junior and sophomore crop benefiting the varsity that were under his reign from last season.
First year freshmen coach will be Brent DeKok. Coach DeKok is fresh off of coaching the junior varsity football team and looks forward to using his talents indoors.
When opportunities present themselves, will Blake Basketball take them and run? We’ll find out this winter—see you at the gym!
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