Youth movement is no deterrent for Valleroy

Bruce Valleroy realizes the odds may be working against him.

The team lost six seniors from a 14-8 season that included a share of the Jefferson County Conference's small-school division.

The schedule is tough and includes nine teams that won at least 20 games last season.

There are no assistant coaches on Valleroy's staff. In fact, Valleroy will coach the junior varsity and freshman teams in addition to his varsity role.

But Valleroy has seen tough times in the past and flourished. He's had just two losing seasons since taking over in 1994, and his teams won the small-school conference title six of the last nine years.

"Our goal every year is to be very competitive," Valleroy said.

This year's group is inexperienced but does not lack talent, which fuels Valleroy's optimism.

Alex Armbruster, a 6-foot guard, returns as the only starter. Armbruster's 15 points per game, six rebounds and six assists made him all-conference as a junior. Three other seniors played quality minutes off the bench last year. Zack Mull (5-8) and Chris Herzog (5-8) each averaged single digits last year, and Scott Prost (6-4) likely will start at center.

St. Vincent's junior varsity team went 17-8 last year, and about seven players will make the step up to varsity. That list includes the team's leading scorer and rebounder, Danny Rellergert, a 6-0 junior guard. Rellergert averaged 16 points and six rebounds at the JV level. Jacob DeWilde also will play a significant role as a 6-2 forward. He averaged 13 points as a sophomore.

"This will be one of the youngest teams I've ever had," Valleroy said. "But these guys have played together before and they've had some success."

Valleroy is unfazed by the sight of the team's rough schedule.

"It's good for us. It gets us ready for our conference," Valleroy said.

During the first three games the Indians will host Notre Dame, Scott City and North County, all of which had winning records last year. Then the Indians play on the road for six of their next seven games with the Ste. Genevieve Tournament in between.

Valleroy is confident his team will come together by January.

"Time will tell, and I can't predict the future," he said, "but once we get these guys going I feel like we're going to win some games."