Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
NORTH MANCHESTER - The Manchester boys basketball team hasn't won a sectional crown in 10 years. And while the loss of three starters could lead many to believe that number will grow to 11, to quote ESPN's Lee Corso, "Not so fast, my friend."
This past off-season, the Squires, led by head coach Gary Goshert, recommitted to summer workouts that formed a more cohesive unit.
"Our whole emphasis, since last summer and as a team, was to start our workouts together. Freshmen, sophomores, everyone. We've had a nice commitment from them and they've put in the amount of time needed," said Goshert.
Leading the way for Manchester are Joe Egner and Nick Poe. Poe was second on the team in scoring with 7.3 points per game along with 3.5 rebounds per game. Egner is currently injured and his status is uncertain to start the season.
Egner and Poe are joined by a group of seniors who have returned to the Squire program, many of whom kept busy during the fall sports season.
Evan Speicher will be looked upon to convert his successes on the tennis courts to the basketball court, while Nick Poe, Nate Stoops, Greg Lengel and Bret Williams all played under first-year head football coach Brandon Baker.
Goshert is looking for those kids to bring some of that football mentality with them.
"We're looking for minutes from Bret Williams, who's a physical type player, along with Greg Legnel as well," said Goshert.
The adjustment from other sports to basketball is one Goshert knows may take some time.
"It takes a while to get used to the hardwood and having that round ball in your hands," said Goshert.
A more physical style of play will be a bit of a departure from the way most Manchester fans see the Squires.
Gone from last year's team is leading scorer and rebounder Kasym Mork. Mork averaged 10.4 points per game to go with 4.7 rebounds. Mork and floor running mate Keaton Patrick provided a great deal of athleticism if not physicality to the Squires.
Goshert believes that with the departure of Patrick, he lost a leader.
"Keaton was probably the player, game in and game out, who gave a great effort," said Goshert.
Patrick added 7.1 points per game to a Manchester team that averaged 49 points per game.
If Manchester hopes to win its first sectional title since '94-'95, they will have the chance to prove themselves against potential postseason opponents.
The Squires travel to Wabash Saturday against an Apache team that beat Manchester 56-38 in the Wabash County Tournament last year. The Squires then host Southwood (Dec. 17), travel to North Miami (Jan. 8) and host Northfield (Feb. 5).
By the time the postseason play arrives, Manchester will have played everyone in its sectional with the exception of Cass.
Last year, Basil Mawbey's team left the Squires with a bad taste in their mouths after handing Manchester a 36-11 loss.
Before Goshert and company can worry about sectional, they will look to compete in the TRC with no clear-cut favorite.
"I think the TRC is going to be well-balanced from top to bottom," said Goshert of the TRC. "When you mention some teams, it's hard to leave anyone out."
Goshert is fast becoming the old coaching guard of the TRC, having been at Manchester for the better part of a decade. Oak Hill, Whitko and Northfield all have new coaches this year. That sort of cohesiveness combined with a renewed energy from his players has Goshert optimistic about this season.
"Who knows what it's going to be but they've put in the time to be good basketball players or as good as they could be, and I'm pleased with their effort," said Goshert.
The Squires kick off the season at Mississinewa tonight with tip-off slated for 7:30 p.m.
