Boys' Basketball Team Looking To Rebuild
28 Nov 2008

by Eric Christiansen
To call the upcoming season a rebuilding one for the Manchester High School boys’ basketball team would be an understatement.
The Squires lost 10 of their top 11 players from last season, including eight seniors and two players who moved.
Despite the depleted roster, head coach Gary Goshert is excited about the 2008-09 season.
“We have to find some people to replace,” Goshert said. “It starts with leadership, and we’ve had some excellent leadership from our lone senior, Ryan Binkley. He’s done a great job as far as being the example that everyone else in the program can look up to. The coaches can say ‘this is the guy to look at. With his effort, attitude, and leadership, if you follow him, you can’t go wrong’.”
Goshert isn’t sure what to expect from his youthful team, but one thing he has been happy with is the approach his players are bringing to practice.
“We’re youthful, energetic, enthusiastic,” Goshert said. “We’re going to see these kids progress into a team that plays extremely hard, with enthusiasm, and that treats each other right.”
The Squires aren’t focusing on a win total, rather, focusing more on the little things that will help them improve.
“Our whole theme this year is to play the game the right way,” Goshert explained. “That includes being more fundamental, respecting the officials, and respecting your opponents. We don’t fear anyone, but we respect them.
“We want them to enjoy playing because they are with their teammates, and we need to grab ahold of some things and get things going in the direction we’d like them to go,” he continued. “With the youth that we have, that’s a good way to start. And, as we get a little bit more experienced, the basics are going to carry them a long way.”
Goshert has a group of 10 players he sees in the varsity rotation, but stressed that with the learning curve as big as it is, changes in that rotation will probably happen.
Leading the way is Binkley, the team’s lone senior. The only other returning player who saw varsity action last season is sophomore Scott Baker, who will be looked to for scoring and an inside presence on defense.
Also mixing it up inside will be junior Austin Crockett and sophomore Aric Howard.
Junior Aaron Olinger will handle the ball, along with Binkley and sophomore Devan Knecht.
Sophomores Austin Flack, Coltin Jenks, and juniors Kyle Lahman and Austin Gidley will also see varsity action.
“We will have a lot of kids dressing both varsity and JV, and we will have a lot of kids dress both JV and C-team,” Goshert explained.
Goshert knows that the season will be a learning experience, not only for his players, but for him as well. But, he feels the group of players he has is up for the challenge.
“Sometimes teams may not have the horses, but they still work hard,” he said. “They come out and practice and try to get better. You have to have a ton of respect for those kids who have done that. What these kids learn from playing the game—how to be a good teammate, how to handle and get through tough times and not just hang your head and fold the tent, those teams deserve a ton of respect.
“Every experience can be a positive one, and can be of tremendous value in the long run, as long as we do it the right way,” he added. “The coaching staff is really looking forward to this season, and to work with these kids.”
The Squires open up their season Wednesday, November 26 at Mississinewa, then travel to Oak Hill on Saturday, November 29.