By Bob Evans
Sports Editor
November 30, 2009
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| Returning lettermen for the 2009-2010 Carrollton Warriors boys basketball team are from left to right. Johnny Lowdermilk, Tyler Sheets, Kristian Cross, A. J. Dalton, Chris Ericksen, Luke Starr and Robbie Smith. |
Carrollton is coming off a very good 2008-2009 season that saw the Warriors finish with an overall record of 13-11.
However, the Warriors played their best ball at the end of the season where they won sectional and district championships and advanced to the regional tournament.
Carrollton returns seven letter winners from that team. They are seniors A. J. Dalton at post and Luke Starre at wing, juniors Johnny Lowdermilk at guard, Chris Ericksen at wing, Robbie Smith at guard, Kristian Cross at post and Tyler Sheets at guard.
“Returning seven lettermen should help our chances to be successful,” said head coach Matt Voll. “Also, the versatility of our lineup should add more flexibility in regards to matchups, size and speed. Plus, the dedication in the weight room has been a huge boost.”
The team does have room for improvements.
“We need to improve our daily practice habits, defense and depth,” Voll said. “We need to make sure our young kids get the opportunities to be successful and continue to improve.”
Newcomers to this year’s team are sophomore Cody Walker at guard and freshman Stephen Ericksen at post.
Practice makes perfect.
“Our outlook is to do things right so many times that we can’t go wrong by the end of the season,” said Voll. “Pending on our team chemistry, it will determine our success early on. I think our kids are ready to play with Warrior Pride.”
The Warriors were competitive in the Northeastern Buckeye Conference with a record of 6-8 and hope to improve on that.
“Minerva is the favorite this year,” said Voll. “They are a very talented team. They have all the ingredients to make another run for the NBC title. We just hope to be a lot more competitive in the league.”
Members of the junior varsity team are juniors Justin Heavlin, Derek Hezoucky and Christian Mann, sophomores Damon Anderson, Kyser Clark, Brian Meyer, Josh Hillyer and Brian Ferren and freshmen Jake Peterson and Mirko Dobrijevic.
Craig Brooks will serve as varsity assistant, while Lanny Peterson will coach the junior varsity with assistance from Ron Colaprete.
The Warriors will open their season Friday at home against Claymont. They will travel to Jackson on Dec. 8 and host Louisville Dec. 11. On Dec. 18 the Warriors will visit Marlington and host West Branch on Dec. 22. They will end 2009 on the road at Minerva on Dec. 29. |
