Senior Tyler Greer returns to lead the Patriots after lettering in each of his previous three seasons at the varsity level.
The 2007-2008 Tri-Village Boys Basketball Team accomplished something no other team had done in School History by claiming back-to-back Sectional Championships. The team was seconds away from going to the Regional Tournament but fell in double overtime to a stubborn Houston Wildcats team to finish as District Runner-up for the second year in a row ending the season with an 18-6 overall record.
The team graduated 6 seniors with lots of varsity experience. Gone are David Barger and Logan Brubaker both 3-year starters that finished their careers with 46 varsity wins. Ryan Buck who led the team in scoring and rebounding has also graduated along with Tyler Evans, Tyler Fisherback and Kendall Stutz.
Ironically the loss of six seniors didn’t leave the team decimated as they have 6 seniors on the 2008-2009 Team. However, it is a team that has relatively little varsity experience… many of the players who will see action boast a successful junior varsity season last year winning the conference championship with an overall 18-2 record.
Leading the Patriots this year is senior Tyler Greer. Greer is a 3 year varsity player who was named 1st team all conference and District 9 last year. Tyler is the leading returning scorer at 12.5 points a game. The only other player who saw significant action last year was freshman Drew Moore. Moore finished the season 9th in school history with 38-treys on the season.
Here is a preview of the 2008-2009 Boys Varsity Players:
#4 – Heath West – 5’10” Senior – Guard – Heath is a tireless player who just keeps coming at you. Heath has good hands and is disruptive on the defensive end. Heath also is strong with the basketball and will provide floor leadership.
#11 – Brett Foreman – 6’3” Senior – Forward – Brett has a long body and has good timing when going for the rebound. Brett is able to run the floor and finish on the other end but also has the ability to knock down the open jump shot.
#13 – Zach Mogle – 6’0” Senior – Forward – Zach is a competitor who loves to mix it up. Zach will be looked upon to help provide interior defense and rebounding.
#14 – Troy Pearson – 6’0” Senior – Forward – Troy has a passion for the game and exhibits his enthusiasm on the floor. Troy is a fearless competitor who will provide an interior spark for the team when called upon.
#15 – Tyler Greer – 6’0” Senior – Guard – Tyler is a tremendous athlete with a strong desire to win. Tyler is a good player in the open floor who can pull up and take the open jump shot or finish strong at the rim. Tyler also is a tremendous rebounder from the guard position. Tyler will be a leader on the floor and in the locker room.
#40 – David Richards – 6’5” Senior – Center – Dave gives the team size and will be needed to provide strong interior defense and rebounding.
#21 – Matt Miller – 6’5” Junior – Center – Matt is a very long and lean center that is quick off his feet giving the team a shot blocker in the paint. Matt also runs the floor well for his size and is a very good rebounder.
#23 – Cody Gunckel – 6’3” Junior – Forward – Cody is a new addition to the team this year. Cody is a streak shooter and can score points in spurts when he finds his groove. Cody needs to work on his defense and rebounding to help the team.
#25 – Craig Dill – 5’10” Junior – Guard – Craig is a very capable on the ball defender and a threat from behind the arch when in the game.
#10 – Drew Moore – 5’9” Sophomore – Guard – Drew is a feisty competitor who has a scorer’s mentality. Drew has shown the ability to score from anywhere on the floor and poses the best threat from behind the arch.
Although this year’s team lacks varsity experience it is a group of young men who are used to winning in Coach Josh Sagester’s program whether they were a part of the 18-6 sectional championship team or the 18-2 junior varsity team who won the conference championship.
There is no doubt this year’s team will bring an entirely different feel and look than the last few years. Patience is required as the team works to find their identity and players accept their roles. But one thing for sure this team will be able to play at a much faster pace than the teams of the last couple of years and that should make for an exciting year.
Good luck this year and go Patriots!
Patriot Seniors (L-R): Troy Pearson, Zach Mogle, Heath West, Tyler Greer, David Richards and Brett Foreman
Sophomore Drew Moore gives Tri-Village a long-range scoring threat.
