MEADOW HEIGHTS TRIES TO TURN TIDE

Jeff Gravon will try to use techniques he implemented in the North to boost a struggling program in the Midwest.

Gravon, who coached the boys basketball team in Elgin, Minn., last year, is the new Meadow Heights coach. He came to Meadow Heights because he was offered a full-time teaching position and the athletic director job.

Kevin Gaylord left Meadow Heights after two seasons as coach.

In the last two seasons, Meadow Heights is 2-44. The Panthers went 2-22 last season and were winless the year before that.

Gravon doesn't expect to perform miracles this season.

"With the new system and the new coach it's going to take some time for adjustment," Gravon said.

Gravon is realistic about what the team can accomplish this season.

Gravon's goal for the team is to "definitely to improve over last year. I think if we can win 10-plus games that would be a good season."

If the Panthers are to approach a double-digit win total, their guards must play well.

"We're pretty solid at the guard position," Gravon said.

The team's best player is 5-foot-9 senior Kevin Weaver. Gravon said Weaver averaged about 16 points per game last season and was an all-conference selection.

The other guard will be 6-0 junior Seth Revelle.

The forwards are 6-1 senior Jeremy Heine and 6-3 senior Brandon Boyd. At center is 6-1 senior Michael Jeter.

One thing the Panthers have is experience. Meadow Heights will have 12 players on the varsity squad, seven of which are seniors.

Among the reserves are seniors 5-9 Shane Mungle, 6-1 Derek Smith and 6-2 Wyatt Bollinger.

The juniors are 5-10 Ron Laurentius, 5-9 Jasper Lindsey and 6-1 J.D. Brune.

The only sophomore is 5-10 Joe Jones.