2009-10 Delta Boys Basketball Preview

The Delta Bobcats went from having six players last season to 13 players this season.

Bobcats coach Justin Simpher expects it to make a huge difference.

"I expect us to come and compete this year," Simpher said. "Last year we competed for the most part. We were short-handed. We only had six guys. The second half of the game is when we would filter out.

"This year we have 13 guys. We should be able to get some of our guys a break and hopefully stay in those games. I look for it to be a successful year."

Simpher has the option of substituting more with seven additional play ers. The ability to run in fresh legs is something that will play a key role in the Bobcats' defense. Simpher wants to play more aggressively on the defensive side.

"We're going to have to play better defense, a little more pressure on the ball," Simpher said. "We should be able to do that this year with more people to come in. And if they get tired, we can sub. Last year we didn't have that luxury. We had to play it safe.

"Defensive pressure is really going to have to pick up and we're going to have to be a lot better rebounding. If we can play good, hard, pressure defense and rebound pretty good, it will help us tremendously."

With five returning starters from a team that went 2-20 a year ago, Simpher is excited about the experience his team returns.

"It's going to play a big factor," Sim pher said. "They had a long year last year, only winning two games. But they battled from the beginning to the end. They've had the mindset all summer and during practice that they're out to make a point and try and turn things around and show they've worked hard and can come out and surprise some people."

The Bobcats are coming in with realistic goals, but they aren't content with settling on another losing season.

"Our goal is just to come and play hard every day," Simpher said. "We would like to win as much as we can, but come out and play hard and give ourselves a chance to win a game, that's our goal. Play hard from beginning to end, that's our mindset."

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Coach: Justin Simpher, second season

Last season's record: 2-20

Returning starters: Teddy May, sr.; Shelby Kight, sr.; Cody Naramore, sr.; Cody Schremp, sr.; Cody Helderman, sr.

Remainder of roster: Zach Reigert, jr.; Chase Crowden, jr.; Seth Blattel, jr.; Derek Morrison, jr.; Brandon Morrison, jr.; Bran don Horman, jr.; Austin Seabaugh, jr.; Collin Schabbing, jr.; Charles Draughon, jr.