Plenty of new faces in Lions lineup
BREMEN — About 2,700 career points, including 1,900 from just two players (Carson Miller, Tony Hardin), graduated from last year’s Bremen HS boys basketball lineup. Instead of complaining about it though, the current Lions see opportunity.
“We are looking for big time contributions from a lot of new guys,” said Bremen head coach Matt Miller. “They have a huge challenge in front of them, but also a huge opportunity to replace a big graduating class and build on the foundation they laid. Our goals are to take a ‘no excuses’ mindset and compete at a high level all season.”
Four letterwinners return - seniors AJ Ton, Baylor Orcutt, and Grant Devine, plus junior Camden Hickman. Newcomers to watch include junior Julian Alvarado and sophomores Silas Laidig and Tyrus Graverson.
“(Alvarado) was a JV player his first two years, but has made great strides this past offseason,” said Miller. “He’s a very athletic wing player and will play big minutes for us this year. Laidig and Graverson both will be first-year varsity guys, but we are hoping for big contributions.”
Laidig will be out until around Christmas/new Year’s rehabbing an ankle injury. Devine is also currently out due to injury, but is expected back for the second half of the season.
The Lions open at Argos on Nov. 23. The home opener is Dec. 1 against Laville. The first Northern Indiana Conference game is Dec. 9 at New Prairie.
“The NIC will be difficult yet again, and is extremely dangerous at the top with SB Washington, Penn, Marian, and others all returning big weapons,” added Miller. “Absolutely zero nights off or ability for us to let down in the NIC this year.”
Bremen moves up to Class 3A for the next two years and will have one of the lowest enrollments in the entire class statewide.
“We’re jumping to 3A this year for the first time so all brand new opponents and location,” Miller said of the move. “Very difficult and veteran competition, and only Glenn is a familiar opponent so there will certainly be a learning curve.”
Besides Glenn and Bremen, the rest of the Sectional 18 field is Culver Academy, Knox and Tippecanoe Valley.
Miller’s varsity assistant is Andy Wildauer. Dustin Eby will coach the JV and Aaron Perch will help with varsity and JV.