Conference: 2-3A
Coach: Rob Welch is entering his second season as head coach of the Ramblers.
Assistant coach: None
Returning starters: “We only return one starter from last year's team. He is 5-11 senior guard Nick Cartwright, who averaged 10 points per game last season,” coach Welch said.
Best inside players: The coach began this list with 6-4 sophomore Tyler Mercer: “He will lead us on the inside this year. Tyler has worked extremely hard this offseason in the weight room getting stronger and has improved his footwork and finishing moves,” Welch said. Other inside players include 6-3 senior Brad Lumpkin. “Brad is a strong kid who can finish around the rim, but can step out and shoot the ball pretty well,” the head Rambler said. “We will also depend on 6-3 sophomore Christian Reynolds. Christian is a natural athlete who can score around the rim and is a 3-point threat as well.”
Best outside players: “We expect senior guard Nick Cartwright to lead us from the outside this year. Nick is a smart kid, shoots the ball well and will provide us with composure,” the coach said. “We will also depend on 5-11 sophomore guard Cole Robertson. Cole is an extremely hard worker who does all the little things that are required to win. He has worked hard this offseason on his shot and ball-handling skills. Meanwhile, 6-0 junior guard Dillon Reesnes will also play a lot of minutes for us this season. Dillon is a great athlete, handles the ball well and can get to the rim.”
How will you match/exceed/fall short of your success from last year? “I expect us to be very competitive this season. We have a lot of guys who are new to senior high basketball. These guys are excited about the upcoming season and have worked very hard throughout the offseason. Rose Bud has a good basketball tradition, and these guys want to get back to that level of play,” coach Welch said.
Strengths of the team: The coach listed athleticism, work ethic and depth as team strengths, each of which he believes will help the Ramblers to wear down their opponents.
Weaknesses of the team: Experience and consistency top the list for Rose Bud weaknesses. Coach Welch hopes two of the team’s strengths — work ethic and athleticism — can help the Ramblers overcome the weaknesses.
Games to watch: “Conference opponents Harding Academy and Riverview will be tough games,” Welch said. “Both teams are athletic and are well coached. Nonconference opponents Mountain View and Shirley will also be tough. Both of these teams have a couple of very good players and are well coached as well.”
Toughest opponent: Without hesitation, coach Welch said, “Harding Academy will be our toughest opponent this season.” The Wildcats are, as he said above, both athletic and well coached.
In a nutshell: “I am excited about the upcoming season. Although we will be young and inconsistent at times, I think we have a chance to be successful this year. We have a great group of guys to coach. Our kids are disciplined, have a great work ethic, are athletic and want to win,” the coach said. “This year, we will focus on establishing an identity for ourselves. If we continue to work hard and focus on fundamentals and execution, we will put ourselves in a position to win quite a few games this year.”