Each year, the Class B South tournament changes venue from the Portland Expo to the Cross Insurance Arena between the quarterfinals to the semifinals.
After two consecutive years of hitting road blocks at the Expo, Lisbon is hoping to get to the bigger building without having to buy a ticket this year. If the Geryhounds do, it will be by following the same formula that has gotten them to Portland in the first place, coach Jake Gentle said.
“Rebounding is going to be key. We’re not a very big team,” he said. “We’re going to have to play strong defense, and protecting the basketball is always a crucial part of our game.”
Lisbon returns four players who saw starting time, led by senior guard Jonah Sautter. Gentle expects seniors Sean Scott and Morgan Perron, junior Henry Doyle and sophomore D.J. Douglass to help shoulder the scoring load
With five games scheduled against their fellow Class B schools in the MVC, the Greyhounds will have more chances than previous years to accumulate more Heal points and draw a more favorable seed in the tournament. If they can do that, they may have an extended stay in Portland.
Coach: Jake Gentle (sixth year)
Conference: MVC; Class: B South
Last year’s results: 9-10, lost in B South quarterfinals.
Returning players: Seniors — Jonah Sautter (6-0 guard), Morgan Perron 95-10 guard), Sean Scott (6-3 forward), Brandon Keith-Williams (5-10 forward) ); Juniors — Seth Tapley (6-4 center), Henry Doyle (6-0 guard); Sophomore — D.J. Douglass (5-10 guard).
Key losses: Tyrese Joseph, Josh Huston, Lucas Francis.
Promising newcomers: Sophomores — Hunter Davis (5-8 guard), Issac Burnell (5-8 guard), Justin Violette (5-8 guard), Seth Leeman (6-0 forward); Freshmen — Neil LaRochelle (5-9 guard), Owen Fish (6-1 forward).
Basketball hoop
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