When it comes to goals for this year’s Oxford Varsity boys basketball team, coach Steve Laidlaw has decided to keep it simple.
Last season, the team took a dramatic turn from seasons past, only placing 7th in the Flint Metro League.
‘We had really big goals last year and, looking back at it, it was probably too ambitious,? he said. ‘Our goal, quite simply, is to just get better every day. We just need to make sure we play hard and play unselfishly.?
Helping the Wildcats fulfill those goals are returning seniors and co-captains Zach Tilley (guard), Chris Keenist (center), Rick Brady (forward) and Matt Patria (guard). Other returning seniors Byron Nolde (guard) and Ryan Markowitz (forward) will also move the team along.
Laidlaw said Tilley, a three-year varsity team member, is the team’s top shooter, averaging seven points a game last season.
‘We expect big things out of Zach,? he said. ‘Between his experience and athletic ability, he’s pretty important for us.?
The coach called second year varsity player Keenist the most versatile player on the roster. ‘He’s the tallest player at 6?4?, so he can score inside, but he’s also a really good shooter,? he said.
Brady and Patria, both second-year varsity players, are seen as the most aggressive, physical teammates, according to Laidlaw.
Second-year varsity member Nolde is also one of the better shooters on the team as well.
Laidlaw said Markowitz is ’emerging as one of our better players through his dedication.?
‘All six of those kids have to play well for us,? the coach said.
Underclassmen making strides this season include juniors Anthony Esparsa (center), Mike Stumph (forward), James Scribner (guard), Mitch Seeling (guard) and sophomores Mike Bertling (guard) and Gary Wurtz (forward).
Laidlaw said Esparsa’s skills will ‘provide a lot of depth? for the team, while Scribner’s ‘quickness? will provide extra minutes during each game.
He called Stumph a ‘very gifted athlete? and said that although Seeling is ‘a work in progress,? that he’ll be a valuable contributor toward the team.
Team rookies Bertling and Wurtz have both shown improvement and are so hard-working that Laidlaw hopes this season will mold them for their future varsity experiences.
Brandon still holds the title of the team to beat this season, but Laidlaw said Holly is moving up the line as well. He hopes his hard-working Wildcats will ‘surprise? a lot of fans this season.
‘I think the outsiders looking into our team aren’t going to expect much, but internally, we’re expecting a lot,? he said. The Wildcats travel to Clio this Friday for a 7:30 p.m. game.