2009-10 Bell City Basketball Preview

A winning record rarely is considered a down year, but that's the level of success es tablished at Bell City.

The Cubs went 15-12 last year and lost to eventual state champion Scott County Central in the Class 1 District 3 title game. But that loss in the district title game was the first time since 2001 that the Cubs failed to capture the district crown. The Cubs will feature a new look this year as Chris Miller takes over the program. He replaces Pat Niemczyk, who filled in for the end of last season after fourth-year coach Brian Brandtner officially was terminated by the school board in March.

"I'm taking over for someone that did this job real well," Miller said. "I just hope to repeat their success."

Miller, who was a student assistant coach during the 2003-2004 season, likes what he has seen from his team in practices so far, but doesn't know what to expect.

"We lost our top two scorers from last year and, of course, we have a new coach," he said. "So I'll just promise this: We'll be as good as we want to be."

Melvin Johnson and Ronnie Gross led the Cubs in scoring last season but both graduated. They do return Skylor Blackler, their 7-foot center.

Miller stresses fundamentals and defense.

"It's Southeast Missouri basketball," he said. "It's not flashy or quick. We'll just try to stop the other teams from scoring points." Miller said that if his players follow his advice, they at least can stay com petitive with every team they play.

"We're in a very tough conference that is loaded with talent," he said. "But the good thing about our schedule is that we play some of these really good teams two or three times. That helps us. I expect that the more we see them, the more we'll pick up things that will give us an advantage.

"We'll win some games."

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Coach: Chris Miller, first season

Last season's record: 15-12

Returning starters: Jeff Long, sr., 5-10, G; Skylor Blackler, sr., 7-0, C

Other key players: Tim Long, sr., 5-11, G; Terrance Johnson, jr., 5-7, G; Terence Liggins, jr., 5- 7, G; Chris Carpenter, jr., 5-11, G/F

Remainder of roster: Jason Hess, sr., 5-7, G; Leonard Schaefer, sr., 6-2, F; Eddie Dembowski, jr., 5- 11, G/ F