The Goodrich varsity boys basketball team hopes to build on last year’s success with several upperclassmen leading the way.
A total of eight seniors and seven juniors make up this year’s Martians, who open the 2004-05 season Dec. 7 when they host Brandon.
In addition, two players from last year’s team, Wayne Coulman and Ken Cramb, were injured during football season and will not play basketball this season. Coulman hurt his knee, while Cramb broke his ankle twice, Goodrich coach Gary Barns said.
Although they won’t be able to play this year, Barns said Coulman and Cramb will help out the team any way they can. ‘They’re very important to what we’re trying to do,? Barns said. ‘They’ve been loyal to the program.?
Last season, the Martians went 14-8 overall and won the Genesee Area Conference Red Division with an 11-5 record. Barns said with the high number of returning players on the Martians, expectations will be high this season, but he also said the team will be up to the challenge.
‘We’re going to be a team people pick to be right there because of the players we’re bringing back,? he said. ‘I think we’re hungry and want to prove last year wasn’t a fluke.?
Heading up the list of returning players are small forward Michael Skinner, a first-team All-GAC Red selection who led the Martians in scoring at approximately 14 points per game; power forward Kirk Elsworth, a second-team all-GAC Red pick who Barns said is the team’s ‘best defensive player and rebounder;? and point guard Craig VanWagoner, a second-team All-GAC Red selection whom Barns praised for his quickness and defensive effort.
Joining the Martians this year is shooting guard Keith Brotherton, a transfer student from Clio who came to Goodrich in January, but wasn’t eligible to play varsity basketball until this year. Ben Wilson and Andy Klumpp will share time at the center position this year, Barns said.
The Martians will also have plenty of firepower off the bench this year with shooting guard/small forward Charlie Richards, forward Brett Bowers, guard Eric Hughes and forward/center Basil Wilson. Rounding out the squad are Zach Glynn, Jeremy Gauthier, Ross Gauthier, Dustin McCormick, and Wes Coleman.
Barns said it will be hard finding minutes for all the players on the team, but added ‘it’s a good problem to have too many players.?
He also said several teams will be a factor in the GAC this year, including Hamady, Byron, Montrose, Atherton, New Lothrop, LakeVille, and Mt. Morris.
Nonetheless, he said the Martians have a solid work ethic and is hopeful they can play well in the early going.
‘Our kids see the big picture,? Barns said. ‘So far, it’s been good. We’ll just continue to work hard and see what happens. I think defense comes before offense this time of year. Hopefully, we’ll be a solid defensive team.?