Amick eager to bring continuity to Rams

Scott City's search for stability in its basketball program just might be over.

Lance Amick, 22, took over in the offseason after working as an assistant under Kerry Thompson. He joins a pair of assistants -- Travis Schiwitz and Chris Bradshaw -- who give the coaching staff an average age of 21.3 years.

Amick said such a young staff can help the program.

"The players understand me and I understand them a lot better,"he said. "Not too long ago I was in their shoes."

Along with having a familiar face on the bench to guide the Rams, Scott City has a strong returning nucleus with three returning starters.

Scott City will have guard Jeremy Schlosser back after averaging double digits his junior year. Amick said he thinks Schlosser sees the floor better this year.

"I expect a big year out of him," Amick said. "I hope he develops as a leader. His effort and work ethic is second to none."

At 6-foot-9, Tyler Ward will give the Rams a presence inside. Ward is one of the biggest players in the Scott-Mississippi Conference.

Along with Schlosser, Ward and Andy Beck, Scott City's other returning starter, the Rams will count on added production from 6-4 junior Mark Dannenmueller. Dannenmueller has grown several inches since last year and has the athletic ability to make things happen on the court.

The Rams have 14 players who could see varsity time this season. Among them are six juniors who played for Amick on the junior varsity team last season.

"I'm fortunate to come into a situation where I've got kids as good as these," Amick said.

Since all 14 of Amick's players have played under him at one point or another, he hopes it doesn't take long for the players to understand his coaching philosophy.

"I've only got two things I ask of them," Amick said. "One, work hard, and two, be a teammate."

Even with a strong group of returning players, the Rams will have a tough battle to climb to get back to the state playoffs for the first time since 2000. Final-four team Charleston is in their district.

"We're believers this year," Amick said. "We think we can do it."

The Rams will get their first test this season as a newcomer in the Oran Tournament next week. In the meantime, Amick has his players working hard through long, tough practices.

"I can't say enough about how hard they've practice this year," Amick said. "They're really adjusting well."