Scouting Hersey Huskies

Posted November 19, 2009 10:00 pm

By Marty Maciaszek

Hersey Huskies

Coach Steve Messer (third year, 29-29; 12th year overall, 169-152)

Last year 12-16, 4-6 (4th in MSL East)

Key losses Demitriy Velikov (9.1 ppg, 26 3s), Kyle Mengarelli (8.9 ppg, 29 3s), Brad Busby, Ryan Fox

Returning players Seniors Kyle Miklasz (6-4, F, 10.7 ppg, 52 3s), Brian Fabrizius (6-10, F), Jordan Mertes (6-0, G), Kyle Pietro (5-9, G), John Mijal (6-0, G), Nick Kautz (6-1, F), Steve Nelson (5-11, G); junior Connor Miklasz (5-9, G, 6.3 ppg, 18 3s).

Newcomers Juniors Sean Thompson (5-11, G), Tom Sutrinaitis (6-5, F), Brian Carmen (6-0, G); sophomores Sean Reszotko (5-10, G), Trevor Haas (6-0, G), Justin Jobski (6-2, F), Vuk Vukovic (6-1, F).

Outlook One place the Huskies struggled last year - particularly in the first half - was on the defensive end where they allowed 55.7 points a game. "It feels like we're a little bit ahead in the fundamental aspects," Messer said. "The sophomores are catching on to it quickly and the seniors know. Rebounding killed us (last year). We defended and never finished it so we have to rebound." They should do that and be able to put points on the board with Kyle Miklasz off the wing and Connor Miklasz and Mertes in the backcourt. "They both can handle it," Messer said. "I think our best lineup is with both of them on the court." Fabrizius is a long-range threat who improved in the summer and looks to prove he can handle the MSL's physical pounding. Sutrinaitis (240 pounds) should have no trouble there and Pietro, who missed most of last year because of injury, Mijal and Kautz are also setting a good tone. "They'll play because of what they can do defensively," Messer said. So will Thompson at the point along with the four sophomores, the most Messer has ever had up, to provide depth. The Huskies also hope Nelson, their best defender the last two years, can make a late-season return from a torn ACL in the summer that wiped out his football season. "I feel like we can make a run and should be fighting to be that top team (in the East)," Messer said.

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