INDIANS' LINEUP STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Once again the Jackson boys basketball team has that feeling of standing in the blocks while the race is on.

The explanation is successful Jackson football, which usually keeps a few players in cleats playing playoff football rather than in a gymnasium wearing sneakers.

This year's "holdouts" aren't as numerous as in the past, but it still leaves a coach scratching his head, trying to put a puzzle together with a few pieces missing.

"We'll have to play it by ear early in the year," said Jackson coach Steve Burk. "I honestly don't know who'll be playing."

The Indians have three returning starters from last year's 17-9 squad that reached the district finals.

Senior forward Justin Keen has also doubled as the Jackson Indian quarterback and did not attend his first practice until last Thursday. The Indians open their season this week in the Farmington Tournament.

Keen, 6-foot 5, is a three-year starter who averaged 14.5 points and five rebounds per game last year. A versatile player, Keen shot 42 percent from three-point range. He's also one of four Indians on the roster at least 6-foot-5.

Senior center Jeff Walter (6-5) has started since his freshman year and had similar numbers to Keen last year, averaging 14 points and 7.5 rebounds.

Burk said teams were able to key on Keen and Walter last season.

"Hopefully our offense will be a little better balanced," said Burk. "I think we have some kids that have improved that teams are going to have to guard. I think we have some kids capable of shooting the ball. I think last year that was a weakness for us at times."

Junior point guard Justin Suedemeyer (6-0), a 37 percent three-point shooter, also returns.

Senior lettermen include center Josh Crain (6-6) and guard Brandon Blattel (5-11).

The Indians suffered a blow when Brandon Streiler, who started as a sophomore and was out half of last season with a knee injury, re-injured a knee earlier this fall and was lost for the season.

Moving up from last year's 11-6 JV squad are sophomore guard Levi Bollinger and five juniors: forward Harith Jones (6-1), guard Doug Carey (6-0), forward Jason Mungle (6-1), guard Lucas Rougghly (6-0) and forward/center Cory Daniels (6-6).

Burk said numerous players are battling for positions and he's wavering between a smaller, quicker lineup and a taller lineup.

"We have good size in comparison to most people in southeast Missouri," said Burk. "Size is good to have, but to me, quickness is probably the most important ingredient in basketball. If you can't be quick, you'd better be big. What you'd like is to be big and quick."

The guard positions are up in the air, with Blattel, Suedemeyer and Carey the front runners for the two spots. Carey played point guard on the JV last year and is probably the best shooter of the three. Suedemeyer can also shoot the ball while Burk, who stresses defense, described Blattel as the best defender.

"They all have something they're really good at," said Burk. "Hopefully that will give us some versatility."

The Indians have a similar situation in the front court with Crane and Daniels. Crane is stronger and more aggressive while Daniels brings finesse and a better shooting touch.

It may take a few games for the Indians to find the proper mix.

"The big thing is we want to get better as the year goes on, and last year I felt that was something we did," said Burk.

Goals for the Indians this year are their first district title since 1992 and their first conference title since 1993.

Jackson tips off the season next week in the Farmington Tournament.