Pirates make up for bulk with speed this season

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- With a new coach comes growing pains -- something Paul Taylor will try to avoid after a solid run by the Pirates the past few years.

Unfortunately for Taylor, he won't have the luxury of 6-foot-6 center Chad Ozark commanding the low posts. Taylor will have to rely on a group with solid varsity experience but without much in the way of starting experience.

Kellen Stark, Tim Winningham, Jon Lorenz and Aaron Weibrecht lead the group of seniors with varsity experience. Although the group does have size to it, the bulk of players like Ozark is missing. Taylor said his team will have to rely on its speed to overcome its lack of bulk.

"That's hopefully going to be a team strength," he said.

Working with a new offensive and defensive philosophy this season may be hard on the Pirates, but Taylor said the team has responded well to the new system so far.

"They work hard," he said. "They're all responding real well."

One strategy the Pirates will employ this season is a two point-guard look. Winningham will be the primary point, but Taylor expects all of his players to handle the ball and step outside for the middle and long-range jumpers.

Having two point guards on the floor will allow the team to have two players who really can handle the ball at all times.

"The offense is going to reflect that," he said.

Along with Perryville's returning seniors, the Pirates will get some help from a couple of football players. Senior Jacob Bachmann and junior Kyle Dobbelare will add strength and athleticism to the team.

Bachmann, who played offensive and defensive line for the football team, will add size down low. Taylor said he's optimistic Bachmann can help with rebounding -- something that could be a problem for the slimmer Pirates.

"That's something we need to work on," Taylor said. "We have to be conscientious about hitting the boards."

Taylor said he's confident that with Bachmann down low they won't give away rebounds.

"He'll be a good rebounder for us," Taylor said.

Dobbelare, who played quarterback and also is an all-state track athlete, will add excitement to the team.

"Dobbelare is probably the best athlete skill-wise," Taylor said. "With him and our two point guards, we should have a lot of quickness up front."

With the team's quickness and athleticism, Taylor wants his team to get out on the run as much as possible.

"Every chance we get, we're going to push the ball," Taylor said.

To run this fast-paced offense, the Pirates will rely on a deep bench. Juniors Chad Stelling, Nick Haden, Jarrod Obendorfer, Andrew Yamnitz and Tyson Schilling could see plenty of playing time.

"I'm probably going to use everyone," Taylor said. "It just depends on the flow of the game."

How quickly Taylor can get his team on the same page and working together likely will determine if their depth and quickness will pay off.

jjoffray@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 171