Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
WINONA LAKE - With a solid core of veterans and several key newcomers, Grace men's basketball head coach Jim Kessler and the 1996-97 version of the Lancers anticipate plenty of growth and hope to improve on last year's 11-21 record.
The Lancers will be led this year by senior All-MCC performers Darren Gagnon and Bert McLaughlin.
McLaughlin returns for his fourth season with the Lancers. Last year, McLaughlin was Grace's leading scorer at 19.1 points per game, and he plays guard and small forward this year.
"Bert has such range and versatility," Kessler said. "He has to be guarded both outside and inside, so he will be a tough defensive matchup.
McLaughlin set a school record with 109 three-pointers in a season last year and is just one short of the Grace career record for treys.
Gagnon led both the MCC and the NCCAA last year with 12.3 rebounds a game last year, and also scored 16.5 points per game, while hitting almost 50 percent of his shots.
"Darren had a good year for us last year," Kessler said. "He was a very effective scorer and rebounder. We look for him to be a dominant force again."
Also returning is junior guard Andy Schmidt, who will be moved from his point guard position to shooting guard this year. He has started every game since his arrival in 1994 at point guard. Schmidt scored 12.4 ppg last year and led the team in assists and steals.
"This should give Andy more opportunities to shoot and score instead of having to create all the time," Kessler said.
Senior Seth Gilmer and junior transfer James Joiner will vie for the starting point guard position.
Juniors Mike Christner and Brent Damer return at forward. Christner was the starter in 29 games last year, averaging 4.1 rebounds and 4.2 points per game. Damer played in 29 games despite an ankle injury, averaging 3.8 points and 2.7 boards per game. During the offseason, he had surgery on both his ankle and shoulder, but is expected to recover fully and play this season.
Several sophomores should also contribute this season. Brian Gornik should see plenty of playing time. One of the best defenders on the team, Gornik started 18 games last year before he was sidelined with an injury. He scored 6.7 points and grabbed 3.6 boards in 25 games.
Jeremy Helmuth and Todd Humrichouser are both shooting guard prospects who should find their niches on the squad. Ryan Gould, a Triton graduate, played in 22 games last year as well.
Leading the pack of freshmen will be Warsaw graduates Caleb Gilmer and Ben Elliott. Also new to the team will be Jeremy Loyd, brothers Aaron and Brian Christner, and Chris Frisbie.
"With so many new players, the real challenge is to mold together as a team and utilize each other's skills," Kessler said. "If we can do that, we should have a good season."
The Lancers, who already are 2-0 this year after winning the season-opening Rosary Tournament this weekend, have a tough schedule ahead of them with IPFW, Manchester (at the Fort Wayne Coliseum), Westmont College, LaVerne, Occidental, Bethel and Taylor and the rest of the MCC.
Kessler has a very simple approach for the season.
"We have adopted the D.A.R.E. approach," he said. "First we must Defend and improve our defense from last year. Second, we must Attack and be aggressive both defensively and offensively. R is for run which is symbolic of playing hard. Finally, we must play with Enthusiasm. If we are not enthusiastic, we cannot be giving our best. If we can achieve DARE status, we will be successful."
The Lancers open their home season tonight at 7 p.m.
Name Pos. Ht. Yr
Brian Christner F 6-6 Soph
Caleb Gilmer G 6-3 Frosh
Andy Schmidt G 5-11 Sr.
Jeremy Helmuth G 5-11 Soph
Bert McLaughlin G 6-3 Sr.
Modeste Marboua F 6-4 Sr.
Darren Gagnon F 6-8 Sr.
Chris Frisbie G 6-2 Jr.
Mike Christner G 6-4 Jr.
James Joiner G 6-0 Jr.
Ben Elliott F 6-5 Fr.
Ryan Gould F 6-4 Soph
Seth Gilmer G 6-1 Sr.
Jeremy Loyd F 6-4 Fr.
Brian Gornik F 6-3 Soph
Todd Humrichouser G 6-0 Soph
Aaron Christner F 6-4 Fr.
Brent Damer F 6-8 Sr.
Nov. 12 Tri-State
Nov. 15 optimist tipoff tour.
Nov. 16 optimist tipoff tour.
Nov. 19 Purdue-North Central
Nov. 23 at Blackburn College
Nov. 26 PURDUE-CALUMET
Nov. 29 at Walsh Tour.
Nov. 30 at Walsh Tour.
Dec. 6 at Spring Arbor Tour.
Dec. 7 at Spring Arbor Tour.
Dec. 12 at IPFW
Dec. 14 vs. Manchester (at Fort Wayne)
Dec. 31 at Westcomt (CA)
Jan. 3 at Occidental (CA)
Jan. 4 at Occidental (CA)
Jan. 8 at Marian
Jan. 11 HUNTINGTON
Jan. 14 INDIANA WESLEYAN
Jan. 18 at Taylor
Jan. 21 goshen
Jan. 25 at St. Francis
Jan. 28 bethel
Feb. 1 marian
Feb. 4 at Huntington
Feb. 8 at Indiana Wesleyan
Feb. 11 Taylor
Feb. 15 at Goshen
Feb. 18 St. Francis
Feb. 22 at Bethel
