Eight Return For AHS Boys Basketball

Eight letterwinners are back for the 2009 AHS boys basketball season. Front row, from left: Christian Goering, Collin Walker, Telly Fricke, Corey Walker. Back row: Sam Miller, Drew Smith, Garrett Morton, Micah McQuillin.– photo by Mary Huber Five returning starters on a basketball team would make any coach grin.

But what if you had seven starters back?

That’s just what Doug Krauss, Archbold head coach, has when the 2009-10 boys basketball season starts.

The 25-year mentor has eight letterwinners returning from a squad that finished 13-10 last year and 6-2 in the Northwest Ohio Athletic League. Seven of the eight started at some point last season.

Senior letterwinners include Sam Miller, 6-foot-1 guard, 5.3 points per game, 1.7 rebounds per game; Christian Goering, 5-11 forward, 6.1 ppg, 2 rpg, honorable mention All-NWOAL; Corey Walker, 5-11 forward, 4.7 ppg, 2.4 rpg; Collin Walker, 5-11 forward, 4.6 ppg, 1.7 rpg; Drew Smith, 6-2 post, 2.7 ppg, 1.9 rpg; and Micah McQuillin, 6-3 post, 2.7 ppg, 2.6 rpg.

Junior letterwinners are Telly Fricke, 5-10 guard, 8.8 ppg, 2.4 assists per game, Second Team All-NWOAL; and Garrett Morton, 6-2 forward, 4.5 ppg, 2 rpg.

“We expect these returnees to be our leaders at both ends of the court,” said Krauss. “Sam Miller and Christian Goering both can knock down the outside shot, and we’ll expect them to contribute at the defensive end as well.

“Sam has been slowed by an injury in the pre-season, but we expect to get him back early and are looking forward to seeing his progress.

“The Walker twins (Corey and Collin) compete, aren’t afraid to make plays, and anticipate well on defense.”

“Drew Smith and Micah McQuillin have made great strides in the off-season, and we expect them to give us a little size/depth in the post.

“Telly Fricke started every game at the point for us, and also has made strides in his game at both ends of the court.

"We’re expecting him to continue his progress at the point and improve his decision making with the ball.

“Garrett Morton moved up from the junior varsity during the season last year. He made some great contributions, as he has a nice stroke, and we’re expecting him to step up at both ends and keep improving.

“Fricke has experience at the point,” said Krauss, “and we expect him to play most of the minutes there. But we’ll need to see who steps up. We’re looking for depth at this position. We’ll see who steps up and competes for that job.”

Krauss said rebounding is a concern.

“Rebounding will be an important issue again this season,” said the coach.

“There will be many times we’ll be giving up inches at certain spots on the floor, so we’ll need to understand the importance of checking out and being tough.

“Also, guarding the post will be an area that we’ll have to spend a lot of time on to be able to compete.”

Foul shooting is also a concern. Shooting just 59% from the foul line last season, Krauss stresses team improvement from the freethrow line as a priority.

“We’re always looking to become a team, one that plays together and works well together, which is something we really believe is important for success,” he said.

“With so many guys in the mix for competition, it will be important to understand the role they have earned and be ready to play when called upon.”

The Streaks open their season at Wauseon, Saturday, Dec. 5, in a non-league contest.