Conway St. Joseph fighting to be a ‘tough out’

The biggest goal for Conway St. Joseph this year is to make it to the state tournament. Head coach Brent Bruich said he wasn’t sure the last time the Bulldogs made it to the tournament, but he said it has been a few years. “We had a run there, when we were making it every year,” Bruich said. “Our goal is to get to the state tournament and the regional tournament. That is a huge goal for us. There is a lot of room for improvement in this team, so one of our goals is to be a ‘tough out’ by the end of the season.” After finishing 10-16 last season, the coach said, one of the team’s biggest strengths is the determination put forth so far by his team. “Last year did not turn out the way they wanted,” Bruich said. “I think they are a little bit hungry for that, so it has the potential to be a strength for us.” The Bulldogs have four starters returning this year. Bruich said St. Joseph is a young team but has “a little bit of experience.” Senior Jack Briggler will return as a combo guard, playing both point and shooting guard. He primarily played point last year, but the coach said the Bulldogs have some other guys who can take some of the pressure off Briggler and let him play the wing some. “Jack is a good shooter, and it is always good to have more than just one primary ball handler,” Bruich said. “We will have some guys who can help him out. It is a good team.” Junior Ryan Davis started last year as a sophomore and will play inside. The coach said Davis has a lot of potential to be a really good player, and he has some size and soft hands. “We are really counting on him to be a good player for us,” Bruich said. Junior John McKenna plays inside and out and started a lot last year. The coach said the team is counting on him a lot this year, too. Junior Caleb Hiegel is a solid defender but is expected to be more aggressive and score more this year. “Caleb has grown a lot this offseason, and he has added some strength,” Bruich said. “He has a lot of good parts to his game.” St. Joseph has several sophomores who are expected to chip in and add some depth this year, including Christian Skinner, Gus Longing, Luke Bruich, Matthew Brorman, John Smith and Gage Kordsmeier. “We’ve got some guys who have been through the battle, and they know what it is about,” Coach Bruich said. “They know what it is about, and they are bigger, stronger and wiser. That should be a strength.” The coach said he also expects some senior leadership from Mason Elsinger and guard Kyle Hartman. “These guys get along pretty good; at least they have in the preseason,” Bruich said. “We’ve got a little size, and that will be a strength for us. “We have the makings of being a good ball team. We just have to work at and take care of our job, as far as that is concerned.” The Bulldogs will open the season Nov. 5 against Abundant Life.

We’ve got some guys who have been through the battle, and they know what it is about.”

BRENT BRUICH CONWAY ST. JOSEPH BULLDOGS COACH