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Lakin looking for role players
Published 12/4/2008 in Special Sections : Area High Schools
By BRETT MARSHALL
The recent success of the Lakin Broncs boys basketball program has relied on the athleticism of its players -- and this year will be no exception.
The only difference for sixth-year coach Shawn Michaelis is that the athleticism that his players possess doesn't come with a lot of experience at the varsity level.
He does, however, have two solid returning starters to form the nucleus for this year's Broncs team -- 6-4, 230-pound senior center Brock Miller and 6-0 senior guard Beau Bird.
"Brock has been an inside force on both offense and defense," Michaelis said of his big center. "Beau is a very good athlete who makes good decisions with the ball."
Michaelis lost 74 percent of his scoring from last year's 17-5 team, but with Miller and Bird back, he has other players waiting in the wings to fill the void of the graduated class. Miller averaged eight points and five rebounds as a junior while Bird led the Broncs in assists with three per game and averaged two steals, four points and three rebounds from his guard position.
Three seniors figure to have an opportunity to crack into the starting lineup -- 6-4 forward/center Zac Anthony (three points, one rebound), 5-11 guard Andrew Rosales and 6-0 guard Tanner Berning.
"Zac is very athletic and agile who can do a little of everything," Michaelis said. "Andrew must be able to adjust to the varsity game for us to be a success. Tanner can play any of the positions on the court for us if needed."
There are three juniors vying for playing time as well. Dylan Shamberg, a 6-1 guard, Zach Reed, a 6-0 forward, and Evan Holmes, a 5-8 guard, will battle with the others to find court time. Michaelis also expects sophomore Colby Hamel (6-2) to help in the middle.
"While many of the (varsity) spots will be filled with inexperience to start the season, there are many athletes available that have had a lot of success at the (junior varsity) level," Michaelis said.
Lady Broncs expect growing pains
Patience will be a keyword in the early portion of the 2008-2009 basketball season for the Lady Broncs.
With just two players returning with any experience, third-year coach Many Michaelis hopes to see her team improve as the season moves into the 2009 portion of the schedule.
"We are a group of hard workers," Michaelis said, "and we will have a lot of inexperience at the varsity level. I look for us to get better and better as the season progresses."
The Lady Broncs, who were 12-10 a year ago, will build their team around 5-1 senior spark plug Tiana Perea who averaged just two points and two rebounds a game last year while junior guard Amy Dunn (5-4) will also be at one of the guard spots. She averaged 4.3 points and 3.6 rebounds.
"Tiana plays 100 percent all the time and she is a great spark and team leader for us," Michaelis said. "Amy is a very physical player and will do whatever needs to be done to help us win."
One of the top newcomers for the Lady Broncs will be 5-6 junior guard Jodie Jennings.
"She is a great offensive presence and has great ball sense," Michaelis said.
Lakin Broncs
League: Hi-Plains
Class: 3A
Boys Coach: Shawn Michaelis (6th year, 6th overall, 62-46)
2007-2008 Record: 17-5
Returning Starters: Beau Bird (6-0 Sr., G), Brock Miller (6-4 Sr., C).
Top Newcomers: Zac Anthony (6-4 Sr., F/C), Andrew Rosales (5-11 Sr., G), Tanner Berning (6-0 Sr., G), Dylan Shalberg (6-1 Jr., G), Zach Reed (6-0 Jr., F), Evan Holmes (5-8 Jr., G).
Lakin Lady Broncs
Girls Coach: Mandy Michaelis (3rd year, 3rd overall, 27-17)
2007-2008 Record: 12-10
Top Returners: Tiana Perea (5-1 Sr., G), Amy Dunn (5-5 Jr., G).
Top Newcomers: Jodie Jennings (5-6 Jr., G).
SCHEDULE (Homes Games are in ALL CAPS):
Dec. 5-at SW Heights; Dec. 11-13-at Scott City Invitational; Dec. 16-SUBLETTE; Dec. 19-at Stanton County; Jan. 6-at Holcomb; Jan. 9-GOODLAND; Jan. 10-at Larned; Jan. 16-WICHITA COUNTY; Jan. 19-24-Hi Plains League Tournament; Jan. 30-SCOTT CITY; Feb. 3-SATANTA; Feb. 13-at Elkhart; Feb. 17-at Ulysses; Feb. 20-SYRACUSE; Feb. 27-at Hugoton.
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