2006-07 DUBLIN SCIOTO IRISH BOYS BASKETBALL PLAYING UNDER THE RADAR

You might not be hearing anything in Central Ohio about the 2006-07 version of Dublin Scioto Irish Boys Basketball, but rest assured there is plenty of excitement within.

This team will be looking to better their 14-8 record from last year, and early signs indicate that they are on their way to doing just that.

True it is that the anchor and 1000 point career scorer Clark Crum has graduated. However with the bulk of their perimeter back plus and injection of youthful energy, the expectations of competing for another OCC title remain intact.

The Irish return five players who saw considerable action last season. Leading the way will be returning starters and seniors Austin O’Connell (6’4 /9.2 ppg as a jr), and Kelly Winter 6’1/8.9 ppg as a jr).

Also back is starter Ben Ashwill (6’0/4.4 apg as a soph), part time starter and senior Michael Eubank (6’1/1.5 ppg as a jr) and senior Kevin Lolli (6’1/3.9 ppg as a jr), who played significant minutes off the bench.

Other returning varsity letter winners expected to contribute are senior Spenser Mooney 6’0 and junior Blair Gorniak a 6’1.

Newcomers include 6’6 senior Tim Kromer, and sophomores Rainer Duzan 5’11, Bradley McDougald 6’0, David McKinley 5’8, and Marco St. John 6’3.

This is a new look Irish team...one reminiscent of past perimeter oriented teams. Anticipate a more up-tempo and spread offensive, with the hopes of mixing shooting skills and the ability to penetrate to the basket.

However, finding the balance to play offensive power basketball and still get to the free throw has always been a staple of this program and must not be overlooked.

At the other end of the floor, the hope is to bring more heat this season defensively; the luxury of having the big man in the middle no longer exists.

Thus, look for this team to get after people, pressure the ball and really try to take away the shooting vision of opponents.

Finally, in order to play this way, the team will have to count on its depth; the core of sophomores on this club will have to continue to improve and come through when the lights are on.

With the realignment of the OCC, Scioto enters uncharted territory as they join the Capital Division and take on new foes Franklin Heights, New Albany, Olentangy Liberty, Big Walnut and Watkins Memorial. The Irish will have to do some homework on these teams, but the anticipation of taking on that challenge brings added excitement. Hopefully fans will come to expect good consistent play from this team by season’s end...for now however, playing under the Central Ohio basketball radar is just fine.

Enjoy the season and go Irish!!