By Anvil Welch
awelch@joplinglobe.com
Three seniors with starting experience are among the 10 lettermen in boys basketball at McAuley Catholic High School.
The trio for Warrior coach Chuck Williams consists of 6-foot-1 Sam Maher, 6-1 Tim Schoenfeld and 5-11 Garrett Wagner.
There are two more senior lettermen in 6-2 Nick Bertoncino and 6-0 Austin Metts.
Completing the veterans are 6-4 junior Ian O’Dell, 6-1 junior Brian O’Keefe, 6-3 junior Connor Wiseman, 6-1 sophomore Austin Shipman and 6-1 sophomore Ben Street.
“We could have a successful season,” Williams said Tuesday. “We’ve been trying to blend the returning starters in with the new starters. Everyone has to adjust to new roles. We’re trying to get them to gel.”
Williams, who’s assisted by Shawn Rogers, guided McAuley to records of 15-9 overall and 8-4 in the Ozark 7 Conference in 2008-09 in his first season as head coach.
The league mark tied Southwest and Thomas Jefferson for second place behind Purdy (11-1).
“We expect several of our seniors to lead us this season,” Williams said. “I’m confident we can be competitive in each game.
“Strengths include the players’ work ethic and their coachability,” Williams said. “I also believe our defense and depth will be strengths.
“Our scoring should be more balanced this season,” Williams said. “Size could be a weakness.
“We’ve focused on defense and moving the ball well on the offensive end in practice,” Williams said.
Wagner averaged 8.7 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.9 steals last season. Schoenfeld averaged 2.2 points, 3.9 boards and 2 assists.
“O’Keefe, who’s matured, has looked solid at point,” Williams said.
Prospects listed by Williams include 6-1 sophomore Jesse Adams and a quartet of freshmen in 5-7 Anthony Calcagno, 5-7 Philip Calcagno (they’re twins), 5-8 Zack Crossland and 6-3 Shaw Robertson.
The Warriors open the season at 7:30 on Tuesday night against third-seeded Wheaton in the Pierce City Tournament.
Williams plans to start O’Keefe at point guard, Wagner at shooting guard, Bertoncino at small forward, Schoenfeld at power forward and Maher in the post.
Williams expects Metts, O’Dell and Wiseman to lead McAuley off the bench.
The Warriors’ home debut will be on Dec. 7 against Purdy.
