Gsl Basketball Year Brings Fewer Pre-Season Games

The Greater Spokane League is starting a new era, one with little time to prepare for 18 league games.

Instead of four pre-season contests, teams get two, beginning Dec. 4.

Shadle Park coach Darcy Weisner prefers the longer league schedule. “Some guys would like more non-league games and I don’t disagree with that,” he said.

Rogers’ Rick Mergenthaler is one who thinks an 18-game league slate is too many.

“I would like to see us eventually break the league into two divisions and have more non-league games,” he said.

Right now, coaches and players must be content with the status quo, brought on by the addition of Mt. Spokane-Mead into the GSL.

The consensus among them is that defending champion Ferris, Central Valley with its unbeaten junior varsity, and tall, experienced Mead are league favorites.

But North Side schools North Central and Rogers had successful summer seasons and could move into the upper echelon.

Shadle Park, which qualified for state last year, and Gonzaga Prep are expected to contend.

Shadle starting over

The Highlanders would like to duplicate last year’s state effort.

The graduation of much of that lineup, however, makes this year’s team an unknown.

“Realistically, when you lose as many good players as we did,” said Weisner, “you don’t know what you can be.”

Seniors Eric Wynne, Chris Ryan, Tim Beal and Mike Doyle are back.

They will be challenged by players that include three sophomores.

“We’re looking at some of the returnees as starters,” said Weisner. “Otherwise, it’s pretty wide open.”

Seniors Nick Bruck, Travis Evans and Jerry Johnson, juniors Eric Singleton and Charlie Howlett are up from junior varsity. Sophomores include Demetrius Scott, Jeremy Johnson and Steve Gabriel.

It will be a typically scrappy Shadle team on defense and one that shoots well but it is not particularly big.

“We can’t allow the ball to get inside or we’re in trouble,” said Weisner. “But these guys work as hard as any group I’ve had. They’re relentless.”

Mead tall, experienced

If size translates into victories, Mead will be in good shape.

The veteran Panthers return most of last year’s varsity, including four players 6-foot-6 and taller.

Brian Wolverton is approaching 6-8. Tom Castillo and Jason Galles are 6-7 and Justin Scholl is 6-6.

“We have a lot of size which is going to be an asset,” said coach Jim Preston.

Varsity veterans are guards Nate Adams, Mark Stenersen and Andy Stone and post Ossim Hatem.

Mead’s letter winners will be joined by a solid crew of newcomers.

Chris Schollmeyer provides outside shooting. Brian Lindberg, Eric Boydston, and sophomores Dan Stucky and Andy Zelinski complete the roster.

“Last year was a learning experience for the kids,” said Preston. “Now they know what it takes. If we get outside shooting, which right now we are, we’re going to be reckoned with.”

Prep will compete with anyone

Gonzaga Prep is a mix of experience and new talent that will make them dangerous.

“I think we’re capable of beating anybody,” said coach Mike Haugen. “We’re lacking a bit in size but have nice overall quickness. The athleticism is what I really like.”

Returnees Jeff Dixson, Shane Harnett and Zack Yarborough all started. Aaron Thielman and Evan Maher were reserves.

They are surrounded by newcomer senior Jim Ivers, juniors Matty McIntyre, Kelvin Bacon, sophomores Greg Johnson, who led the junior varsity in scoring last year, and Jon Ryan and Adam Frankovic.

“Obviously we’ll rely a lot on those guys,” said Haugen. “They’re all looking really good. I think we’ll surprise people.”

Physically, Rogers has ingredients

Rick Mergenthaler was riding the emotional roller coaster typical of a Pirate coach.

Friday and Saturday’s practices left him on a high. Already aware that one returnee was an academic casualty, he said that on Monday he was frustrated by the psyches of a few others.

“I’m down right now,” he said. “You know the problems we have at Rogers. It’s not always easy, but we do have prospects.”

The Pirate junior class is talented. Brett Oglesbee is one of the league’s best players. Sam Dempsey and Greg Pugh give him two 6-foot-5 inside presences. They, along with currently injured Adam Hooper were on varsity last year.

Senior Mike Dorton returns to varsity. The football all-leaguer’s quickness will be helpful.

“He looks like he can fit into our scheme,” said Mergenthaler. “Defensively he could create havoc.”

Sophomore Josh Wallen saw some varsity time last year. Dashawn Bedford and Ross Rother are also juniors. LC transfer Jason Ridley is trying to find a spot in the lineup.

“We should get to the playoffs, we expect to,” said Mergenthaler.

The physical aspect of the game is the least of his concerns.

NC could be league’s surprise

A measure of NC’s improvement is the fact that last summer in the Spokane Community College summer tournament, the Indians upset the field.

If that carries over to the regular season, they could contend for a playoff berth.

“It’s hard to say what will happen,” said coach Jay Webber. “I think we’re better than we have been.”

A reason is that all but three players and most of the starting lineup return.

Chris Blotsky was one of the top juniors in the GSL last year. Chris Allen returns at point guard. Aaron Farr and Sean Allbery were starters.

Additionally, Shane Montgomery, Ray Bowser, Shaun Lesesne and David Robinson were on varsity.

“We have a lot of kids back,” said Webber. “We were also 2-14 in league. Only time will tell.”

They’ll be joined on the floor by sophomore Jake Martin.

Not only did the varsity have a strong summer finish, last year’s freshmen, who make up this year’s junior varsity, tied for the league championship.

“It’s a pretty tough league but we definitely want to make some strides, make some noise,” said Webber. “The playoffs are a very realistic goal. And we’re looking for big things from the jayvees, too.”

New era begins at Mt. Spokane

Bill Ayers has spent much of his coaching career, 14 years, as assistant at Mead High.

Now he has his own program and has set his sights high.

“We’re reaching for the sun,” he said. “If we miss, we’ll grab the moon on the way down.”

There are no seniors on the team, decent size, but little experience. The most experienced players are Troy Bishop, Casey Clark and Anthony Hardman who played for Ayers on Mead’s junior varsity.

Other juniors getting a varsity look are Cole Young, Justin Gaston, John Erp, Jared Adams, Jake White, and transfers Ian Gordon and Jay McMahon, from Gonzaga Prep and Lakeside respectively.

Sophomore candidates are 6-foot-6 Justin Lewis, Jake Swanson and Lacrosse-Washtucna transfer Shane Hammond.

What Ayers likes about his new team is its enthusiasm.

“We’re not as far along as I’d like, but that’s to be expected,” said Ayers. “We will have a certain level of success. We’re not just putting the uniforms on.”

, DataTimes