×

Bellefonte boys prepared for upcoming basketball season

By SHAREIK FLOWERS

sflowers@lockhaven.com

BELLEFONTE- The Red Raider basketball team made significant strides last season.

After recording just seven wins in 2017-18 , the Raiders began to click on all cylinders last year en route to a 15-8 record. They fell just short of their preseason goal in a 75-71 overtime-thriller loss to Greater Johnstown in the District Championship.

Now in 2020 they return some key starters and lost some to graduation. Regardless of the roster’s makeup, the expectations are the same and the Raiders are eager to get the season underway.

“Obviously we lost a lot of key players so I think the offseason has been really crucial to our development,” Bellefonte coach Kris Glunt said. “The offseason buy-in has been good. We participated in a number of leagues and went to a hand full of shootouts.”

With the number of leagues and shootouts the Raiders attended the squad had a busy offseason. They also hosted their typical open gyms– and weight room training and skills sessions– in which the attendance was positive. They also participated in a few scrimmages which helped Glunt identify where the Raider squad is at this point of the offseason.

“We saw some good things and we saw some things we definitely need to clean up,” Glunt said.

KEY RETURNING STARTERS

Bellefonte lost some key players to graduation this year, but none of them were Ben McCartney– who’s returning for his senior season.

“He’s a 4-year starter and our most experienced returning letter-winner,” Glunt said of McCartney. “He brings a nice dynamic from the perimeter, he can also get to the basket and finish well. We’re going to lean on him for his leadership and his experience.”

Also back is Isaiah Nadolsky. Nadolsky played a key-reserve position last season and was a step-up player when the Raiders suffered some injuries.

“We’re excited about the length and the opportunity that he provides in the interior,” Glunt said of Nadolsky.

Trae Bauman and Mason Grey are back as seniors. They received limited play a year ago but figure to be big contributors in their final season.

“They appeared sparingly last year, but they always play hard,” Glunt said of the duo. “They’re always looking to compete and they’re looking to make their mark on the program. So we’re excited about our returning letter-winners.”

UP-AND-COMERS

Joining the talented group of letter-winners is a solid nucleus of underclassmen looking to make splashes at the varsity level.

Sophomore D’Anrdre McCaslin has impressed thus far in camp. He’s highlighted his talents in the gym and will play point guard for the Raiders.

“He’s a great shooter from the perimeter,” Glunt said of McCaslin. “He also has the ability to get to the rim and finish pretty well.”

Another sohpomore who’s stood out is Blair Eckley-Jones.

“He’s put a lot of work in during the summer and we’re excited about his development,” Glunt said.

First-year senior Shaun Carey will provide some nice athleticism to the Raiders roster.

“I think he’s going to do some good things off the bench for us as well,” Glunt said.

TEAM GOALS AND EXPECTATIONS

The team’s expectations are lofty after last season. Bellefonte recorded 15 wins a year ago and advanced to the district championship against Greater Johnstown. Ben McCartney drilled a late three pointer to send the game into the overtime before the Red Raiders ultimately dropped the contest, 75-71.

Despite the lost talent due to graduation– one of the team’s primary goal is to recapture that late season magic and return to the district championship game.

“I tell the guys that individually I want them to become the best versions of themselves, so that collectively we can reach our peak of understanding what their teammate’s strengths are and making sure they’re are playing to each other’s strengths and playing off one another,” Glunt explained. “The goal really is to reach that collective peak by the last third of the season and then let the results speak for themselves.”

UP FIRST

The Red Raiders open the season with an away contest versus the Central Mountain Wildcats. It’s the fourth straight year the two teams have opened their regular season against one another.

“Coach Tyler Bardo does a heck of a job,” Glunt said of CM’s coach. “It’s always a great measuring stick game. I just think it’s going to be a great indicator for both teams to kind of see where we are.”

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $3.69/week.

Subscribe Today