Two players return for new coach Riley
By John Baracani
The turning of the leaves and chill of the air mark the beginning of another autumn, and the beginning of another men’s basketball season.
The Apaches are an almost entirely new team this fall. Only two players, Lacey Tyler and Dave Sharp, return from last year’s 10-20 season, 3 – 7 in the N4C. And the men play for a new coach this season, Mike Riley, hired as coach and Athletic Director as the fall semester was beginning.
Joining Riley as newcomers are 11 freshmen: guards Craig Olson, Kendrick Carr, and Eric Hayward; forwards Howard Rowell, Brandon Kays, Derek Baird, Shawn Mason, Justin Barnes and Josh White; and centers Brian Stamberger and Dave Munson. Guard Jeff Rounds, a sophomore, did not play last year.
Although Riley begins his first year here coaching a team with very little college playing experience, he remains optimistic.
"I’m not sure what to expect from the team this season," he said. "We have a lot of freshmen, but they’re working hard, and they are very competitive. We’ll just have to wait and find out how they’ll play."
Riley said shooting would be the team’s strongest point, but the team’s lack of size would be a problem.
"We have some great three-point shooters, and their passing skills are outstanding," he said. "We will work very hard on defense and we should be very tough, since we will be weak in rebounding (based on size)."
Riley said he is very impressed by the play of many of his players.
"Kendrick Carr plays outstanding defense, to go with good ball handling skills. Brandon Kays has a lot of talent; he’s a tremendous passer, and he shoots the ball well.
"Derek Baird is a very good defender and an excellent three-point shooter. Lacey Tyler plays hard and shoots well, and Brian Stamberger has a lot of skills."
One thing fans can expect, according to Riley, is an aggressive team.
"We will have an up tempo style of play," the coach said. "I like players running the floor and playing hard. We’ll have a very solid defense. We don’t want to give up any easy baskets."
The Apaches will be tested at the outset of the season since two of their first three games are against highly ranked Highland and Kankakee.
"Two of our first three games are against teams who are ranked," Riley said. "It’s not going to be an easy route, but I think it will help us be more competitive."
About the season opener Nov. 10 at 7 p.m. against Highland, Riley said, "Highland will be difficult, especially in their home. They have more experience, and they are very athletic."
Kankakee, scheduled Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. here, "is loaded," in the coach’s words. "They’ve got some All State players and great quickness and athleticism."
The home opener is Nov. 12 at 7:30 p.m. with Black Hawk East providing the competition.
Riley’s evaluation of the season: "We don’t have any dominating players, but if things go right, we can play really well."
10/29/98 the Apache