Centre basketball young but competitive
Staff writer
Centre winter sports will include boys and girls basketball this season.
Boys basketball
The youngest group of students the men’s team has ever had will step onto the varsity court this season.
“We do not have that anchor of three or four seniors or a big on the inside, but we have a very enthusiastic group of young men out this season,” returning coach Richard Idleman said.
Jalen Studstill will be next to Idleman this season as assistant.
“We will have to hit the floor sprinting while showing caution not to lose guys as we try to get them up to speed,” Idleman said.
Senior guard Robert Spohn is back and coming off a football injury from earlier this school year.
“He’s still working on recovery, while on the court, showing solid leadership skills and working himself to get back to form,” Idleman said.
A player to watch this season will be sophomore guard Micah Carlson.
“Micah will be expected to step in right away and contribute,” Idleman said.
Carlson saw limited time on the varsity floor last season.
“We will have a different style of play this year,” Idleman said.
The Cougars will open their season at home Friday against Wakefield.
“Positivity will have to lead the way as we grow up on the floor, which is exciting as we work with such a young nucleus,” Idleman said.
Girls basketball
“These girls will compete,” coach Alan Stahlecker, returning for his 15th year, said.
Kelsey Hett will join him for the third season as assistant coach. Hett played for Stahlecker between 2017 and 2020.
Eight girls have come out to play Cougar basketball. Only four have previously had varsity experience.
Returning starter senior Olivia Carlson averaged 11.1 points and 8.4 rebounds last season.
“Carlson is a solid all-around player and leader and a threat for a double-double every game,” Stahlecker said.
Other returning players are Anna Godinez Vinduska, Ryleigh Jones, and Hailey Barton.
“Glad to have Barton back this season, as she was our third leading scorer in 2022-2023,” Stahlecker said.
The four newcomers to the team are Kelbie Kidd, Jaycee Stika, Sarah Barlow, and Cheyanne Helmer.
The Lady Cougars open up their season at home this Friday against Wakefield.
“Staying healthy and out of foul trouble will be essential to being competitive,” Stahlecker said.