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BELLMONT
Coach: John Baker, 2nd season (4-17)
Last year's record: 4-17
Returning starters/regulars
Lance Vergara, 6-1, Sr., guard, 1.1 ppg, 1.1 apg
Cameron Beinz, 61, Jr., guard, 4.4 ppg
Maverick Birch, 6-5, Jr., forward/center, 3.9 ppg, 1.5 rpg
Parker Zeser 6-3, So., guard/forward, 4.2 ppg, 1.6 rpg.
Key newcomers
Seth King, 6-0, Jr., guard/forward
Ross Smith, 6-5, Jr., center
Josh Brune, 5-6, So., guard
Patrick McBarnes, 6-0, So., forward
Coach Baker says:
What do you need to succeed?
As a sophomore last year, Cameron Beinz proved that he could score in bunches. The Braves need both Beinz and Parker Zeser to score the basketball consistently and both have the ability to do that. Size in the frontline will not be an issue with the team running 6-5, 6-5 and 6-3, so we will have to take advantage of the paint. Beinz, Zeser, and Maverick Birch need to take a huge step forward in their development for us to be successful.
What concerns you the most?
With the loss of eight letter winners from last year's team (gone from last year's team is 76% of scoring and 72% of total minutes played), this team will be inexperienced. Backcourt depth is also a concern.
Team goals for this season?
Our goal is to continue to make improvements throughout the season, with the focus of playing our best basketball at the end of the season.
Overall assessment of the team?
With a lot of question marks in a lot of areas, there are so many uncertainties. We have a great group of kids that believe in our vision and want what is best for the team and each other.
CARROLL
Coach: Marty Beasley, 8th season (164-128 career record)
Last year's record: 10-14
Returning starters/regulars
Chandler White, 6-2, So., guard, 15.7 ppg
Mason Miller, 6-3, Sr., forward, 6.2 ppg
Adam Freiburger, 5-10, Sr., guard, 5.8 ppg
Keller Guitierrez, 6-1, Jr., forward, 4.7 ppg
Tony Orr, 6-2, Sr., forward, 3.2 ppg
Alex Hammond, 6-0, So., guard, 1.7 ppg
Key newcomers
Kyle Maller, 6-6, Fr., forward
Jeremy Kalonji, 6-4, So., forward
Austin Thomas, 6-0, Jr., guard
Logan Hille, 5-10, Jr., guard
Coach Beasley says:
What do you need to succeed?
Gain experience and defensively rebound.
What concerns you the most?
Lack of size.
Team goals for this season?
The same as every year, win conference, win sectional, and make a deep tournament run.
Overall assessment of the team?
We have a lot of guys that can play multiple positions (mainly 1-4 spots), so hopefully we can create some mismatches and take advantage of our skill level.
COLUMBIA CITY
Coach: Chris Benedict, 21st season (303-150)
Last year's record: 17-8
Returning starters/regulars
Derek Hinen, 6-3, Sr., guard, 15 ppg, 4 apg
Drew Benedict, 5-10, Sr., guard, 12.7 ppg, 2.8 apg
Daniel Woll, 6-6, Sr., forward, 10.4 ppg, 6.7 rpg
Austin Paul, 6-3, Sr., forward, 5.8 ppg, 3.4 rpg
Jared Murphy, Sr., forward
Key newcomers
Mason Coverstone, 6-2, So.
Brachen Hazen, 6-6, Fr.
Jonathan Simmons, 6-3, Sr.
Keaton Reed, 6-2, Jr.
Justin Bachelder, 6-1, So.
Coach Benedict says:
What do you need to succeed?
We are coming off a 17-8 season with a number of key returning players. Paul and Murphy will provide toughness and stability.
What concerns you the most?
We are looking for a couple of young players in Mason Coverstone and Brachen Hazen to contribute.
Team goals for this season?
We are optimistic that we will be competitive in the Northeast Hoosier Conference and Sectional 5. Benedict, Hinen and Woll are double-figure scorers and three-year starters.
DEKALB
Coach: Jon Everingham, 5th season (42-49)
Last year's record: 11-12
Returning starters/regulars
Austin Macy, 6-2, Sr., guard/forward, 11.1 ppg, 4.1 apg
Adison Daub, 5-11, Sr., guard, 16.7 ppg, 2 apg
Dylan Liddell, 6-1, Sr., forward
Kalib McKown, 6-0, Sr., forward, 3.8 rpg
Spencer Snyder, 5-6, Sr., guard, 1.5 ppg, 2 apg
Tanner Moore, 6-5, Jr., center, 3.1 ppg
Nathan Forrest, 5-11, Jr., guard
Cole Hartman, 6-5, So., forward, 11.2 ppg, 5.2 rpg
Carson Forrest, 6-1, So., forward
Daulton Daub, 5-10, So., guard
Key newcomers
Henry Smaltz, 6-2, Sr., forward
Logan Casper, 5-8, So., guard
Logan Gerke, 5-9, So., guard
Hunter Cone, 5-8, Fr., guard
Will Christman, 6-5, Fr., forward
Coach Everingham says:
What do you need to succeed?
The 2012-13 Barons are coming off an 11-12 season and return all 12 letter winners from that team. We will return three NHC all-conference players in Adison Daub, Austin Macy and Cole Hartman.
Team goals for this season?
This year's Barons will feature a good mix of youth and experience and look to be right three when it counts the most in the NHC and sectional.
Overall assessment of the team?
Although the Barons will be better, the teams in the area look to be very strong. Once again, the NHC and Sectional 5 are loaded with great teams.
EAST NOBLE
Coach: Josh Treesh, 1st season
Last year's record: 9-14
Returning starters/regulars
Andrew Gordon, 6-7, Sr., center, 2 ppg
Houston Pattee, 6-8, Jr., forward/center, 3 ppg
Key newcomers
Caleb Williams, 6-2, Jr., forward
Landon Tackett, 5-11, Jr., point guard
Dustin Mapes, 5-8, Jr., guard
Bryce Wolfe, 5-8, So., guard
Coach Treesh says:
What do you need to succeed?
We must take care of the ball and keep people out of the paint. Rebounding will be a must in the tough NHC conference.
What concerns you the most?
Taking care of the ball and making good basketball decisions on a consistent basis.
HOMESTEAD
Coach: Chris Johnson, 19th season (261-138)
Last year's record: 23-3
Returning starters/regulars
Nick Gamble, 6-0, Sr., point guard, 15 ppg
Seth Coate, 6-3, Sr., forward, 9 ppg
Trevor Osborn, 6-0, Sr., guard, 9 ppg
Kyle Togashi, 6-0, Sr., guard, 3 ppg
John Geller, 6-5, Sr., center, 2 ppg
Joe Ault, 6-3, Jr., guard, 6 ppg
Key newcomers
Caleb Swanigan, 6-6, Fr., center
Coach Johnson says:
What do you need to succeed?
Consistent rebounding and defensive intensity.
What concerns you the most?
Who will take over the leadership responsibilities after losing Zach Terrell to graduation.
Team goals for this season?
Keep getting better throughout the year to be playing your best at the end of the year.
Overall assessment of the team?
Looking forward to keep building on the success that other teams have placed before them.
NEW HAVEN
Coach: Al Gooden, 25th season (355-218)
Last year's record: 17-4
Returning starters/regulars
V.J. Beachem, 6-7, Sr., forward, 19.6 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 3 apg
Lacy Curry, 6-3, Sr., forward, 9.7 ppg, 5.2 rpg
Fabar Ray, 5-11, Sr., guard, 5.7 ppg
Monte Stevenson, 5-7, Sr., guard, 3.7 ppg, 4.9 apg
Jordan Hogue, 6-3, Jr., forward, 5.5 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 5.1 apg
Key newcomers
Steve McEleven, 6-10, Jr.
Jaylin Wattley, 5-11, Fr.
Tyron Kennie, 6-3, So.
Brandon Bolinger, 6-3, Sr.
Austyn Newman, 6-1, Sr.
Jakhari Wilbert, 6-3, Jr.
The News-Sentinel says
What do you need to succeed?
Somebody needs to step up and replace the 17 points and 10 rebounds per game from the graduated Kyle Sovine. McEleven could be the main recipient of the playing minutes at center.
What concerns you the most?
Led by Notre Dame recruit Beachem, one of the state's best all-around players, the Bulldogs will have plenty of expectations to deal with this season.
Team goals for the season?
The Bulldogs should be in the thick of the fight for the Northeast Hoosier Conference title but the key games could be back-to-back-to-back, Jan. 5 at home against DeKalb, Jan. 11 at Carroll and Jan. 19 hosting Norwell. The Bulldogs will also play some top teams in the Noblesville Invitational on Dec. 29.
Overall assessment of team?
Under Gooden's direction, the Bulldogs should be among the top teams in the area and in contention for conference and sectional titles, and possibly even a long tournament run.
NORWELL
Coach: Randy Hawkins, 4th year (57-16)
Last year's record: 24-3, lost at state finals
Returning starters/regulars
Josh VanMeter, 6-0, Sr., guard, 18.3 ppg, 5.3 apg, 2.8 rpg
Cale Schumm, 5-11, Sr., forward, 2.0 ppg, 1.5 rpg
David Vogel, 6-3, Jr., guard, 6.7 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 1.8 apg
Drew Shively, 6-3, Jr., guard, 1.9 ppg, 1.3 rpg
Key newcomers
Cam Denney, Sr., guard/forward
Piercen Harnish, So., forward
Austin Hayden, So., guard
Brent Bales, Jr., guard
Briar Bolinger, Sr., forward
Coach Hawkins says:
What do you need to succeed?
With four seniors graduated, we will have a different dynamic on the floor. We will need to come together as a team, trust one another, and gain confidence every game. Our defense will be key as well as rebounding. We graduated nearly 26 rebounds a game in Kyle Fillman, Caleb Featherston and Garrett Bucher combined.
What concerns you the most?
We have many individually talented players, but, at this point, getting the team to come together as one unit. Again, we must trust in our teammates to get the job done offensively and defensively. Rebounding will be a concern because of the graduation losses.
Team goals for this season?
Same as always ... get better every game, compete in every game ... everything else will take care of itself.
Overall assessment of the team?
As noted above, we have individually talented players. We have shooters, drivers and very strong players ... a great mixture. It will be exciting to see how we do to start the season.
