Scouting Hampshire Whip-Purs

Hampshire Whip-Purs

Coach Bob Barnett, (8th year, 113-75)

Conference Big Northern (East Division)

Last year 18-9, 9-1 BNC-East co-champions

Top returners seniors Justin Bieber (6-3, G), Ryan Burke (6-3, F), Sarwan Kahn (6-9, C) Shyler Ralphs (6-3, G), Tyler Watzlawick (6-7, C), Grant Yoder (6-1, G)

Top newcomers juniors Pat Dumoulin (6-2, F), Mike Kuefner (5-9, G), Brock Ralphs (5-10, G)

Outlook The Whip-Purs will be tough to knock from their perch atop the Big Northern's East Division. Hampshire, co-champs a year ago with Richmond-Burton, has good size throughout the starting lineup and plenty of experience. Leading the way is all-Big Northern-East and all-area guard Bieber. A third-year varsity performer, last year he led a balanced attack with 11.1 points per game after sinking 40.2 percent of his 3-point attempts (53 of 132). The starting lineup could include Burke, Shyler Ralphs and the tall front court of Watzlawick and Khan. Watzlawick saw significant minutes as a freshman and coach Bob Barnett said Khan, who saw limited playing time, is vastly improved. Yoder can shoot, anticipates well, handles the ball and can use his long arms to his benefit on defense. "We're going to cause a lot of matchup problems," Barnett said. "Like every year you need some breaks and a little luck and you go from there, but I feel good about it. I don't know if we're going to be worldbeaters, but you never know. Last year we got on a roll and won 10 in a row. This group listens, they work hard, they're a great group of kids and I like them. They're fun. We have a tough schedule. We play a lot of new teams and a lot of good teams." Hampshire will compete in holiday tournaments in Sycamore and DeKalb.