Boys hoops team aims to contend
by Steve Ottman Falls News Correspondent
The 2009-2010 Sheboygan Falls Falcons boys basketball team is looking to contend for the Eastern Wisconsin Conference championship this season.
Falls finished tied for third place in the EWC, with an 8-6 record, while going 15-9 overall.
Last year the Falcons won their first regional title since 1994, by defeating Mayville 58-43. Pewaukee defeated Falls 50-35 in the sectional semifinal.
The Falcons return six seniors and one junior from last year’s team. Returning this season are seniors Dan Duda, Spencer Hurlburt, Zach Berg, Lewis Halverson, Stephen Klescewski, Corey Blizzard and junior Nick Roelse.
Duda and Hurlburt have been named captains of this year’s squad.
Newcomers include juniors Andy Ansay, Jason Fenner, Alex Grabowski, Matt Hasler, Craig Manning and Mitch Thimmig.
Senior Matt Henning is hoping to make a comeback, after being out of basketball last season.
The Falcons lost five seniors last season, including defensive player of the year Eric Kluz and Jay Pribek. Both players were named to the second-team All-EWC team last year.
“We are confident that we can compete for a shot at the championship,” said third-year Falcons coach Eric Spielman. “We have a lot of depth and ability.”
The Falcons gained defensive momentum at the end of last season and fought through some injuries. The defense allowed an average of 50.3 points per game.
Spielman feels the Falcons have knocked at the door long enough.
“We used the injuries to make us a stronger team and that will help us this season,” commented Spielman.
Roelse returns as a two-year varsity junior, after an injury-plagued sophomore season.
“His height gives us a better advantage,” remarked Spielman. “We have a lot of good shooters and our depth will be our strength.
“The challenge is to find guys that are willing to fulfill a role,” he said. “Playing time is based on hard work in practice.”
Spielman feels that the Falcons must focus on topping Waupun and Plymouth, as they are the teams to beat.
“Our guys have had a lot of success with our program,” stated Spielman. The Falcons open the season with Menasha at home Friday, Nov. 27, at 7:30 p.m.
BOYS
BASKETBALL
2009-2010 Schedule
Nov. 27 - Mishicot
Dec. 1 - at Chilton
Dec. 3 - at Waupun
Dec. 8 - Lomira
Dec. 11 - Kiel
Dec. 17 - at Plymouth
Dec. 19 - Slinger
Dec. 22 - at Kewaskum
Dec. 29/30 - at Homestead Tourney
Jan. 8 - New Holstein
Jan. 14-Campbellsport
Jan. 22 - Two Rivers
Jan. 28 - Waupun
Jan. 30 - at West Bend East
Feb. 2 - Kewaskum
Feb. 5 - at Kiel
Feb. 11 - Plymouth
Feb. 16 - at New Holstein
Feb. 19 - at Campbellsport
Feb. 23 - at Port Washington
Feb. 26 - at Two Rivers
