Scouting Jacobs Golden Eagles

Jacobs Golden Eagles

Coach Jim Hinkle (13th year at Jacobs, 222-146; 417-358 overall)

Conference Fox Valley (Valley)

Last year 23-4, 8-2 FVC-Valley

Top returners seniors T.J. Brooks (6-0, F), Michael Gehr (6-1, C), Sean Meyer (6-1, F), Jason Ofodile (5-8, G), Brandon Richman (6-3, C), Matt Schmidt (5-11, F), junior Nick Hofman (6-1, G), Mike Peterson (6-2, PG)

Top newcomers juniors Matt Ehrhardt (6-0, G), Pawel Korzec (6-1, G), Jon Kowalski (6-1, F), freshman Connor Conzelman (6-0, F),

Outlook After four straight successful years, the Golden Eagles are in new territory without four-year performers Tim Moran and Conrad Krutwig to rely upon. Making the matter more challenging was the summer dismissal from the team of returning all-area forward Mike Barch and co-captain Shane Slawek for code violations. Also suspended for the first five games of the season for various reasons are third-year point guard Peterson, expected sixth man Ofodile and Kowalski, who will be part of the rotation. "All I can say is it's going to be a wonderful opportunity for a lot of kids," recent IBCA Hall of Fame inductee Jim Hinkle said. "Hopefully, this will make us stronger later in the year because maybe somebody I wasn't counting on will step up. Every now and then you need a challenge. The china isn't out; We're going back to the paper plates." The cupboard isn't completely bare, however. Hofman started most of last season at guard as a sophomore. Hinkle called Meyer "a tremendous prospect and a great player who has been hidden in the woodwork." Jacobs will need him to step to the forefront. Barring any further disciplinary action, the Golden Eagles should be rounding into form as their annual holiday tournament approaches. "We're real short handed, but we have a lot of kids who want to play," Hinkle said. "They deserve an opportunity and they're going to get it. We may start a little weak, but we'll get better and better and finish strong. Most years most coaches by now can tell you exactly who's gong to play, but I really can't and the kids know that, which has made for some great practices."