2008 Woodie Awards
Young talent takes the court
By: Grant Bissell
Issue date: 11/10/05 Section: Sports
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Amidst all the excitement about the successes of the soccer and volleyball teams this season, some may have overlooked the fact that basketball season is just around the corner. After winning the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SLIAC) title last season, the Gorloks fell just short of an NCAA tournament appearance. Fourth-year coach Chris Bunch said his team is hungry to get back to the SLIAC championship.
"We felt like we were the best team in the league last year," Bunch said. "But, we didn't play well in the finals and Blackburn (College) did. It was very disappointing for our players and they want to get back there this year."
Returning starters include senior Christian Basilio and first-team, all-conference junior Scott Spinner. Basilio is the team's best defensive player and will be counted on to anchor the team with his leadership and experience.
"Christian will probably take on a bigger scoring load this year," Bunch said. "I'd look for him to have a breakout season and maybe be all-conference."
Spinner averaged 12 points and five boards last season, while shooting nearly 80 percent from the foul line.
Sophomores Darrin Hoggatt and Benny Roberts, who both made an impact on the team as freshmen last season, will play larger roles this year. Six-foot-six Hoggatt will handle the inside scoring and rebounding that was lost with the graduation of Kaniela Aiona last season.
Freshman recruit Michael Dunshee, a six-foot-eight center from Jacksonville, Fla., made a name for himself with coach Bunch in the pre-season.
"He's probably been the biggest surprise with how far along he's come," Bunch said. "He'll probably play some big minutes right away and he should do well."
Other recruits include Ryan Turk from Aurora, Colo. and Doug Stiegemeier from Staunton, Ill. Turk, a former all-state guard, is a good ball handler and shooter and should fit well into the mix, Bunch said. Stiegemeier's athleticism makes him a good shooter and defender and he should see some game time this season.
"We felt like we were the best team in the league last year," Bunch said. "But, we didn't play well in the finals and Blackburn (College) did. It was very disappointing for our players and they want to get back there this year."
Returning starters include senior Christian Basilio and first-team, all-conference junior Scott Spinner. Basilio is the team's best defensive player and will be counted on to anchor the team with his leadership and experience.
"Christian will probably take on a bigger scoring load this year," Bunch said. "I'd look for him to have a breakout season and maybe be all-conference."
Spinner averaged 12 points and five boards last season, while shooting nearly 80 percent from the foul line.
Sophomores Darrin Hoggatt and Benny Roberts, who both made an impact on the team as freshmen last season, will play larger roles this year. Six-foot-six Hoggatt will handle the inside scoring and rebounding that was lost with the graduation of Kaniela Aiona last season.
Freshman recruit Michael Dunshee, a six-foot-eight center from Jacksonville, Fla., made a name for himself with coach Bunch in the pre-season.
"He's probably been the biggest surprise with how far along he's come," Bunch said. "He'll probably play some big minutes right away and he should do well."
Other recruits include Ryan Turk from Aurora, Colo. and Doug Stiegemeier from Staunton, Ill. Turk, a former all-state guard, is a good ball handler and shooter and should fit well into the mix, Bunch said. Stiegemeier's athleticism makes him a good shooter and defender and he should see some game time this season.