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Champlin-Dayton Press - Sports:
CP boys basketball
has new look in many areas; Rebels have one starter back and a new coach
by Dave Pedersen
(Tuesday, December
5, 2006 3:56 PM CST)
It will be a new look to the Champlin Park boys basketball
team in many ways this season.
There is only one returning starter in 6-foot-7 senior forward Pat Freeman,
meaning there will be several newcomers in the lineup.
The coaching staff is also new, led by head coach Mark Tuchscherer. He will have
some idea of what players will be moving up to varsity since he served as the
Rebels assistant coach the past three seasons.
The Brainerd High School
grad played in college at Concordia College in Moorhead. Despite the
inexperience of varsity players, Tuchscherer likes what he sees so far.
"I think we are capable of playing very well, but it will be up to our players
to work hard and really trust each other on the court to play as a team," said
Tuchscherer. "I believe that we have a lot of young talent to mix with our
older, more experienced players."
The team also has tall players, with four pushing the 6-7 mark. This is
different from recent years where the tallest player was maybe 6-5. That did not
stop Champlin Park from reaching the state tournament two years ago.
"It is exciting to have a nice mix of big men and some really athletic guards,"
adds the new coach.
Last season, Freeman averaged 10 points and six rebounds per game.
Players back with some varsity experience are 6-4 senior guard/forward Keith
Smith, 6-foot senior guard Brett Hoium and 6-7 junior center Calvin Nolte.
Tuchscherer expects the offense to be powered by Freeman, Nolte and Smith, plus
6-2 junior guard Nate Dudgeon, a good outside shooter.
The coach said 5-11 sophomore Zerrick Fuller is an athletic point guard with
explosive moves.
"Neal Dittrich gives us some size with a shot blocking presence," said
Tuchscherer about his 6-7 senior forward.
Top defenders are Hoium and 6-foot senior guard Marc McCarthy.
"Our strength will be playing as a team and making good decisions on both ends
of the court," said Tuchscherer. "Our focus will be on defense."
The varsity roster includes juniors Curren Fallon, Mark Witt, Ty Jesinoski, Jeff
Ross, Rex Whitehead, Jamison Ittel and 6-6 center Emeka Okafor. The other top
sophomores are AJ VanVoorhis and Brad Thompson.
The players had a chance to work together during the summer, playing in five
tournaments.
Matt Ulmer is one varsity assistant coach who also has coached at Champlin Park
for three seasons. He also coached youth basketball for six years. He played
four seasons at Hamline University and graduated Magna Cum Laude.
Another assistant coach is Lance Dalbey, who was a coach and teach at Mora High
School the past two years. He played basketball at Bethel College.
The next home game is Tuesday, Dec. 12 against Big Lake. The Rebels will play in
the Anoka tournament. Osseo is a favorite in the Northwest Suburban Conference.
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