B.C. Lee, in his eighth season as the boys basketball coach at Merkel, expects the Badgers to be much improved from last year’s team that finished 6-14 overall and 3-10 in District 5-3A.
“We have a lot of experience coming back,” Lee emphasized, “but we will be looking for some young guys to step up and take on huge roles for us offensively and defensively.”
Two of the young players that Lee is hoping for big things from are a pair of sophomores – 6’4” forward Maddox O’Malley and 6’1” guard Kooper Darby.
“O’Malley has great size and length,” Lee stated. “He should be a huge contributor offensively and defensively. Darby is a great young player that sees the floor well and can score at a high level.”
Reid Hoyle, a 5’8” senior, returns to provide Merkel experience at the point guard position.
“Reid will handle the ball a lot for us,” Lee said. “He has a year under his belt as the starting point guard, so look for him to control the floor for us.”
Another returning player for the Badgers is 6’0” senior forward Jarrett Fulfer.
“He is a great rebounder that controls the glass even though he is undersized,” Lee said of Fulfer. “Look for him to be a physical presence for us.”
Also returning this season for Merkel are 5’9” senior guard Joey Zink and 6’1” junior forward Drew Gilbreath.
Lee said the Badgers’ strength is their speed and quickness, but their lack of size is a concern.
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