Lack of experience gives 'Jays a challenge

OAK RIDGE, Mo. -- For the Oak Ridge Blue Jays the past few seasons have been a confidence builder, but whether that confidence pays off this season remains to be seen.

After losing six seniors from a squad that finished 7-15, Oak Ridge will have to overcome a lack of varsity experience if the Blue Jays want to put together a winning season.

"It's going to be hard to replace those six seniors," Oak Ridge coach Paul Lynch said.

The only returning Blue Jays with extended varsity time are point guard Alex Sadler and forward Zach Ruesler, neither of which had huge scoring numbers last season.

Looking to take some of the heat off of Ruesler and Sadler will be a group of two seniors and five juniors. Senior Cory Woods will likely start at center, and senior Kyle Berry will see plenty of time at guard.

"They're just going to have to step up and show us what they can do," Lynch said of his seniors.

The juniors include guards Tyler Myers and Kody Engler, forward Terry Bogenpohl and center Ben Hahs. The Blue Jays may also get contributions from sophomores Austin Morrison and Brian Ruesler.

"We're going to have a lot of new faces," he said. "So it's going to take time to adjust to the level of competition."

Lynch said he expects Sadler and Zach Ruesler to carry a lot of the leadership duties, as well as lead the offense.

"Those two will be looked upon to supply most of the points," he said.

Oak Ridge could have problems on both sides of the court overcoming its lack of size. Woods is the tallest player at 6-foot-2, with few players pushing 6-feet.

"We're not going to have a lot of size," Lynch said. "We're just going to have to scratch and claw."

With three years of varsity experience at the point and in the paint in Sadler and Ruesler, the Blue Jays offense should show signs of life.

Lynch said avoiding turnovers and careful ball-handling will be the keys to a successful offensive season.

"We're going to have to take care of the basketball," he said.

Where the Blue Jays could face the most challenge in overcoming their lack of size will be on the defensive end.

"We don't have the size to play a slow down game," he said. "We have to try to force some turnovers, force the tempo of the game."

Lacking any standout players, the Blue Jays will have to rely on the fundamentals.

"We have to really work hard on doing the little things right," Lynch said.

The Blue Jays have shown steady improvement over the last couple of years, and hope that this year's squad can continue that process.

"We've gradually improved over the last couple of years," Lynch said.

For now though, Lynch and his Blue Jays are in a wait-and-see mode.

Lynch said he is confident win or lose his players will not be short on effort.

"They're going to work hard and they're going to put the effort out," he said.

Although he's not sure how to characterize his team, Lynch said he's certain they won't be intimidated by any team from around the area, and looks forward to the season.

"It's going to be an interesting year," he said.

jjoffray@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 171