Under the guidance of a new head coach, the Boys’ Basketball team came close to winning the conference title. Coach Jeff Wessel and Assistant Coach Kevin Behrends said that the best game of the season that the varsity played was against Marion. “We played without key players, but we still played well. into the game we thought it would be tough, but we had them by twenty- five points on the court really aided the team throughout the season. The top rebounders were Mike Porter and Mark Ditch. Mitch Porter carried double honors by being both the top scorer and the person who made the most free throws. Senior Going . ” The sophomore coach, Paul Schenkelberg, commented that the best game the sophs had was at home against LinnMar. Both teams went into that game undefeated. “We knew we had to win and it would be tough,” said Schenkelberg. The team improved as the year progressed, with leadership from the seniors and increased confidence from the juniors. The two returning lettermen on the team were Ron Downs and captain Don Jansa. excellent ball handler and his experience Mark Ditch showed great improvement and earned a place in the starting lineup. Scott Lynch commented on this year's coaching staff: “The coaches worked all year getting us ready for all the games so they should be given credit for their hard work with the team. Coach Wessel did an excellent job and he never gave up his confidence in the team, of the season went fast when we were winning, but toward the end of the season things were slower because we were losing,” said Dennis Bruns. The varsity ended their season with a record of 7 wins /11 losses, while the sophomores Jansa proved himself to be an ended with a season record of 11 wins /7 losses, making them co-champions, with Linn Mar, of the ECIC. Boys’ Basketball Teams Win Praise and Title The beginning Above Right: Center Ron Downs bounds to control the tip off. Above: Both the varsity and soph squads had new head coaches this year. Here, soph coach Paul Schenkelberg gives moral support to varsity coach Jeff Wessel. Above: VARSITY TEAM, Front Row: Mitch Porter, Scott Lynch, Mike Porter, Ron Downs, Don Jansa, Mark Ditch, Lynn Schrader. Second Row: Jeff Kulhavy, Kevin Cooling, Jim Rotter, Mike Scheetz, Monte Lehmkuhl, Dan Dennis, Scott Zach, Luis Butts, Mgr. Scott Appleget. Back Row: Coach Ke > Behrends, Dennis Bruns, Andy Kerber, Jerry D; nis, Robert Dennis, Bill Velky, Doug Yanacek, M Meyers, Gerald Eichhorn, Coach Jeff Wessel. 42 Boys’ Basketball
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