By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

HEAD COACH

Cody Apthorpe

3rd year

23-25 career record

THE TEAM

League: Northeastern Athletic Conference.

Coaching Staff: Jeff Kiser, assistant; Terry Peterson, JV; Dave Apthorpe, freshman.

2023-24 Record: 8-15 overall; 6-6 NAC.

Returning Lettermen (6): Carlos Bruton, sr.; Nick Hopper, sr.; Brandon Petrich, sr.; Dylan McCune, sr.; Jayquon Smith, sr.; Matt Kolaczek, jr.

Lettermen Lost (2): Jake Collins, Anthony Wiley.

SEASON OUTLOOK

The Bombers have experience and talent returning, but there is still work to be done, according to coach Cody Apthorpe.

“We need to get organized and connected with each other on the offensive end of the floor,” he said. “We also need to play with a high intensity on the defensive end, with effort on and off the ball.”

The offensive philosophy will be to remain fast paced and keep things open and moving.

“We want to give our playmakers room to create.”

GUARDS

Hopper will serve as the team’s point guard and has a great knowledge of the game. He played in the first 11 games last season, but then missed the second half of the season to adhere to the OHSAA’s transfer rules. He averaged 11.3 points and 3.4 assists per game last season.

Bruton is one of the area’s premier scoring talents, with the ability to score at all levels. He has improved his outside shot tremendously over the last two seasons.

Bruton averaged 17.2 points per game last year and enters the year with 714 career points.

He is quick and a plus-finisher at the basket and also a quick release for his jumper or pull-up.

Underclassmen Dejuan Ramsey, Keegan Kiser and Xavier Bruton will all provide depth for the Bombers’ backcourt.

FORWARDS

Petrich is described by Apthorpe as “extremely athletic” and is a great defender and rebounder (averaged 5.9 per game last year). He is also an opportunistic scorer offensively and will be the benefactor of quality passing from Hopper and Bruton throughout the season.

Kolaczek is primed to have a breakout season.

“He had a great summer, and we are looking forward to him having a big year.”

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Dejuan Ramsey, soph.; Keegan Kiser, fresh.; Xavier Bruton, fresh.

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

“If we fail to utilize our teammates on the offensive end. If we fail to bring high intensity and don’t commit to full-court pressure on the defensive end.”

LEAGUE OUTLOOK

“We feel that we should be included in contention for the NAC title this year. Bristol is another team in our division of the league who will be tough to get through.”