Coming off of a Central Buckeye Conference championship last season, the Tecumseh boys’ basketball team will have a different look to them this season. But even with different personnel, the goal will be the same, to compete for another league title.

With three starters gone, including junior Darius Quisenberry who transferred over to Wayne High School, the Arrows look to reload and coach Roger Culbertson feels that once it clicks, the team will reap the benefits.

“We are fairly inexperienced with two starters back, and a lot of kids who haven’t played varsity basketball yet,” Culbertson said. “In our scrimmages we have been piecing things together. They are great kids working hard to get consistent with their performance. Once they get comfortable, good things will happen.”

Culbertson has seen some good things so far in the first couple of weeks of practices.

“I like what I have seen so far,” he said. “We have shared the basketball, they are finding the open guys and spreading the wealth a bit. Their attitude is great and unselfish.”

“We will be similar to what we have done, pushing the ball down the floor. Offensively we will play fast, it will be Tecumseh style basketball. It will be a little differently in half court.

Leading the way for the Arrows will be six seniors looking to use their leadership to make the Arrows successful.

Ross Warren is back at center, and Culbertson is expecting big things from him.

“He played well last year and he is our biggest kid and ask a lot for rebounding and transition,” he said. “Ross runs the floor well and will have a good year for us. He does a good job protecting the rim.”

Brody Martin also returns after coming off the bench last year.

“He will give us depth handling the ball, and shot the ball well last year,” Culbertson said. “I look for him to bring us toughness and he plays hard.”

Also back is senior Mike Green, who is a good shooter and according to the coach, has come a long way defensively. He has also been shooting the ball well in the preseason.

Similar to Green is senior Reid Hale, who is a longer player.

“He played JV last year and has been playing well in scrimmages,” Culbertson said. “He is a great shooter and scored from outside. He is also driving a bit this year.”

Senior Brett Bogie played JV last year, and is a physical kid who had a good summer.

“Expect him to be a backup for Ross, putting pressure on me to find him time,” Culbertson said. “He is doing what he needs to do.”

Senior Darian Spencer came in from Stebbins last year, and is a defensive oriented kids who will help with rebounding.

Two juniors are Clay Mastin and Devin Alltop. Mastin is the point guard who has been fighting through injuries, and handles the ball well and works hard defensively. Alltop also handles the ball well and is a good pass, doing a good job guarding the kids on the perimeter.

Also on the varsity roster looking to contribute are sophomores Drew Sarihan and Tyler Cory.

As for their title defense, Culbertson knows this conference will again be very challenging this year. Gone is Tippecanoe, but Urbana comes over to the Kenton Trail Division and he hopes his team competes every night in the league.

“It is a good mix of teams, we have to show up every night,” Culbertson said. “It is well coached top to bottom, and you can’t take any nights off.”

“Urbana has been really good last few years with a lot back. Bellefontaine returns a lot of kids. I hope we are right there with them.”

Tecumseh opens the season Friday night at Miamisburg then travel to Springfield next Tuesday. Their first home game is Friday, December 9 against Kenton Ridge.

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