Boys' Team To Rely On Size, Experience
23 Nov 2007

The Manchester Squires finished last season on a high note, getting to the sectional finals, and holding a third quarter lead over Lewis Cass in the championship game. They hope this is the year they get over the hump.
The Squires lost three players to graduation, Brandon Shepherd, Lucas Renz, and Zach Sievers, but return their top seven players from last season, and have added two juniors and a freshman to the varsity mix, and hope they find the right combination for success this season.
Manchester will once again be led by a trio of big men, Dan Bourne (17.3 ppg, 5.9 rpg), David Cable (11.8 ppg, 6.0 rpg), and Aaron Medley (8.9 ppg).
“We will look to those three a lot this year, just like we did last season,” Manchester coach Gary Goshert said. “They are all pretty versatile players who can score inside and outside.”
Also returning for the Squires will be seniors Spenser Penrod, Ian Pattison, Nolan Holloway, and Jody Griggs, who will all see playing time at guard. Juniors Corey Thomas and Ryan Binkley will also handle the ball and look for varsity minutes.
“Our guard play will be very important this year,” Goshert said. “If we struggle handling the ball, it’s going to be tough to score. All of our players have worked hard in the offseason at all facets of the game.”
Freshman Cornelius Cuffy moved into the area and will be a force inside for the Squires this season.
Overall, Goshert has been pleased with the preseason practices, as well as the offseason work his team has put in.
“So far, it has been a very positive situation,” he said. “The guys are working hard, staying positive, and playing together very well. We are trying to get a family atmosphere with this program, and get back the tradition of Manchester basketball. I like the steps we are taking to get there.
“The players are all supporting one another, and not getting on people in a negative way,” he continued. “The practices have been very good so far. That is going to lead to the kind of play that we can be proud of.
“We want to play the style of basketball that is going to get people to want to come and watch them play, and see their hustle, and see how they are treating each other,” Goshert said. “If we continue to progress, I told them they’ll have plenty of people to come and watch them.”
Manchester competed in a scrimmage last week against Caston, and came away with an evening of basketball that has Goshert optimistic.
“The coaching staff and the players felt there was a huge upside,” he said. “There were some things we didn’t do perfectly, but there was enough good stuff there, coaches and players were encouraged. We had a tape session today, and the players are looking forward to bettering themselves before our first regular season game.”
The Squires won all five quarters against the Comets, which Goshert feels is a good start to the season.
“If we continue to work on the things we need to improve on, and continue to do the things we have been doing well, we are going to have a team that will be fun to watch, and a team that I hope will be very successful,” he said.
Eric Christiansen will coach the JV team, while Anthony Sorg takes over the C-team, and Chris Singpiel will be an assistant varsity coach.
The Squires open their season November 21 at home against Mississinewa, then host Oak Hill in a doubleheader with the girls’ team.