Boys varsity basketball

With the new year comes a new seasonal outlook. Here are some winter sports previews through the eyes of team leaders:

Saint Stephen’s Basketball preview 2019: Falcons set sights on a district title repeat and first trip to Lakeland

Head coach: Dave Rumenapp

Fresh off of winning their first District Championship in school history, the varsity boys basketball team is hungrier than ever. They have their eyes set on more than just a second district title. Led by Ty Barker, Cam Vining, and Connor Davis, the team plans to be competitive on the state championship level.

What Could Go Right 

The team retains a good portion of their core from a year ago with Camden Vining, Ty Barker, Peter Balos, Dylan Davis, Matthew Konkol, Cheng Zhang, and Connor Davis all returning. 

Key Losses

The team lost some key players as well. Namely, Cade Westberry, Ben Schnur, Jordan Edwards, and other impactful seniors.

What’s Needed for Success

Leadership. The team graduates four-year varsity player and three-time captain, Cade Westberry. Westberry graduating leaves big captainship shoes to fill, but Coach Rumenapp is confident the trio of Barker, C. Davis, and Vining are ready for the challenge.

Impact New Comers (Alexander Sket, Cole Rogers)

Sket is a four-year basketball player who will look to contribute as a post player with his size and feel for the game. Rogers, a sophomore transfer from Northside Christian, plans to contribute as a guard and versatile defender.

Captain Ty Barker, a three-year varsity starter and two-time scoring leader, is excited about the upcoming season. 

“I’m excited for the opportunity to go back to back as district champs, and more. We have a tough schedule, we need the Hoagland nation [fans] to come out and support.”

Boys basketball will host Evangelical Christian in the Hoagland Arena on November 26 for their home opener. The team’s full schedule can be found here.