RAMS WANT THIRD STRAIGHT DISTRICT TITLE

With 53 wins and consecutive No. 7 rankings in the Class 2A poll the past two seasons, the Scott City boys basketball team has become one of the most successful programs in the state.

It didn't hurt having two-time all-state selection Dustin Cauble (6-4) and 6-5 Chris Sisk on the inside pouring in points and pulling down rebounds.

But those two players graduated from last year's 25-5 district title team, leaving Rams' coach Derek McCord looking at one of his youngest teams since he's been at Scott City.

"Any time you lose a Dustin Cauble and Chris Sisk its going to hurt," McCord said. "Those are big shoes to fill, both on the boards and scoring."

But McCord is hopeful several young players and a few returning starters will be enough to offset the loss of those two players.

"We actually have more weapons," McCord said. "We'll be more versatile and hopefully spread the scoring around more. We'll put five guys on floor that can shoot the ball."

Three starters return from last year in seniors Tim Lowery (5-10) and Howie Stubenrauch (5-10) and 5-11 junior Jon Beck. Lowery's entering his third year as the starting point guard, but Beck could be the player that emerges as one of the top players in the area.

"Jon Beck is a really nice player," McCord said. "He's real athletic, he defends well and he's a tremendous shooter."

Beck earned all-conference honors as a sophomore, averaging double-digits in scoring.

With those three players likely locked into starting spots, the other two spots could be filled by any number of different players.

"After the returning starters there's not a whole lot of difference between the other guys," said McCord. "But that's just going to make us better because practices have been really competitive."

Seniors battling for playing time will be Adam Spinks (6-1), Robbie Britt (6-2), Nick Centanni (5-10) and Blaine Bruce (6-0). Juniors in the mix are Lance Amick (6-0), Luke Sample (5-11) and Jason Bickings (5-10).

Two sophomores will also look to make their mark by adding size to a relatively small team. Ryan Weatherspoon (6-5) and Ronald Watson (6-3) will see some time on the inside.

"It's definitely a rebuilding year, but we've got some talented players," McCord said, gunning for the Rams' third straight district crown. "We're young, but I think we'll get better as the season goes on."

The Rams open the season in their own tournament next Thursday.