Mike Pelletier’s name adorns the wall of the Telstar gym as one of the all-time leading scorers in the history of the boys’ basketball program.
The 1991 graduate is back, this time as the Rebels’ coach. He’s making no predictions of banners or hardware at this point. Rather, Pelletier hopes to lead Telstar to respectability after a couple of lean seasons.
Telstar’s athleticism is intriguing, particularly among its underclassmen. Pelletier considers junior guard Cameron Pike his most talented player, going as far as to say, “we’ll go where he takes us.” Pike transferred back into the program after a year away and has shown flashes of brilliance in the preseason.
Sophomores Tanner Wheeler is an emerging standout on the wing. Jeremiah Richardson, another sophomore, provides size at 6-foot-5, while Jarrett Bean, a 6-1, 200-pound freshman, will help the Rebels bang on the offensive and defensive glass.
As for the seniors, Maverick Griffin provides a steadying presence at point guard, while Zach Wheeler returns after taking a year off to concentrate on other sports. Mike Dougherty is an experienced battler in the paint.
The Rebels averaged a minus-27 point differential a year ago. For now, Pelleter said, he is focused on improving that number, hoping that more wins are the result.
Coach: Mike Pelletier (first year)
Last year’s record: 3-15
Returning players: Seniors — Maverick Griffin (5-9 guard), Mike Dougherty (6-2 center); Sophomores — Tanner Wheeler (6-2 forward/guard), Brandon Dougherty (5-10 guard).
Key losses: Tyler Cherkis (5-8 guard), Austin Ryerson (5-11 guard/forward), Nick Conrad (5-8 guard), Bronson Dean (6-3 forward).
Promising newcomers: Senior — Zach Wheeler (5-10 forward); Juniors — Cameron Pike (5-9 guard); Sophomores — Avry Griffin (5-10 guard), Tanner Wheeler (6-2 forward/guard), Jeremiah Richardson (6-5 center); Freshman — Jarrett Bean (6-1 forward)
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