Scouting St. Francis Spartans

Posted November 19, 2009 10:00 pm

By David Oberhelman Daily Herald Staff

St. Francis Spartans

Coach Shawn Healy.

Last year 14-12, 7-7, tied for third in the Suburban Catholic Conference; lost 62-40 to Nazareth in a Class 3A Nazareth regional quarterfinal.

Top players Jake Butler, sr., G; Ryan Coyle, so., F/C; Vinny Kraig, jr., G; Larry Murison, sr., F; Collin O'Donnell, jr., G; Joe Pfeiffer, sr., F/C; Mark Schmitt, sr., G; Dave Spahn, sr., G; Jack Spangler, sr., G; Tony Vargyas, sr., F.

Scouting report After a season as top role players the front line of 6-4 Coyle, consistent 6-3 Pfeiffer and 6-3 fan favorite Murison leads the decently sized Spartans into the Suburban Christian Blue. They averaged between 5.4-8.1 points and 3.1-4.9 rebounds and will be bolstered by St. Francis' usual array of guards like the scrappy Schmitt and Vargyas. Spangler hit one 3 last year - 70 behind graduated Clint Pierce - but heads a perimeter group that could be a key. Much of St. Francis' success comes on the defensive end, so the big guys' composure and ability to get back will help determine the run-and-jump defense's effectiveness. Healy, 53-28 in his fourth season, likes point guard Spahn's vision, and the entire group's unselfishness "They're fun to be around."

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