By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

HEAD COACH

Cody Apthorpe

2nd year

15-10 career record

THE TEAM

   • Coaching Staff: Terry Peterson, JV; Austin Peterson, assistant; Dave Apthorpe, assistant.

   • 2022-23 Record: 15-10 overall; 9-5 Northeastern Athletic Conference.

   • Returning Lettermen (6): Anthony Wiley, sr.; Jake Collins, sr.; Carlos Bruton, jr.; Dylan McCune, jr.; Cam Hardrick, jr.; Matt Kolaczek, soph.

   • Lettermen Lost (3): Chase Eye, Zack Turk, Lucas Churchill.

SEASON OUTLOOK

The Bombers lose a considerable amount of their scoring output to graduation, leaving leadership roles to be filled.

“We need to play aggressive defensively on the ball, leading to turnovers and scoring in the open court,” second-year head coach Cody Apthorpe said.

GUARDS

The top returning starter is Bruton, who enters his second season as a starter.

He is a wiry and quick guard that has a great knack for getting to the rim on dribble-drives.

He averaged 12.1 points per game a year ago and is described by Apthorpe as the “team leader” this season.

Bruton was fifth in Portage County in 2022-23 with his 117 made field goals, and he was also top 10 in steals at 2.2 per game.

Others that will step up to fill varsity minutes are returning lettermen McCune and Hardrick.

FORWARDS

Collins highlights the Bombers’ frontcourt. He was the team’s sixth man last year and has worked hard in the off-season to improve his skills.

“He is a strong rebounder and has continued to improve his finishes around the rim.”

Kolaczek, a sophomore, is expected to expand his role considerably this season.

“He is a strong player, who has continued to improve throughout the summer.”

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

The Bombers lost three starters with a considerable amount of experience from the graduated Chase Eye, Zack Turk and Lucas Churchill.

Matching their statistical output is one thing, but finding a way to duplicate their experience and leadership will be a season-long priority.

LEAGUE OUTLOOK

“Bristol has tenacious defense, with a great core of returning players. Badger’s Duncan May is a player that can lead his team to many victories. Pymantuing Valley had a great season last year and is expected to have continued success.”