Eagles ready despite reloading season

DUSTIN HENGGELER/DAILY FORUM
The 2017-2018 Jefferson boys basketball team is front: Derek Rich, Levi Burch, Patrick O’Connor, Clayton Wilmes, Bryson Roush, Spencer McQueen, Steven Chor, Trever McQueen, Trey Holtman; back: Cameron Watson, Koby Stoll, Nathan Jermain, Chase Farnan, Clayton Merrigan, Dalton Luke, and Corbin Roush.

The Jefferson Eagles boys basketball team is going to look a little fresh, but coach Tim Jermain expects this year to season his players right up.

Losing four of their five starters, the Eagle’s roster is going to be reset, and filled with leading roles from juniors and sophomores combined who saw plenty of playing time last year.

Juniors Nate Jermain and Koby Stoll along with sophomores Chase Farnan and Clayton Merrigan made up the numbers five through eight on Jefferson’s lineup last season. Players lost from last year are Caden Farnan, Michael Burch, Regan Meyer and Grant Meyer.

Despite the impact lost from Caden Farnan’s inside game and Burch’s shooting capabilities, Jermain remains focused on the fact that his team, though young, will provide all that is needed for a successful season.

“We will be young and inexperienced,” Jermain admitted. “We should have several players capable of playing so we will try to use our depth to wear other teams down.”

Jermain would like to see the true potential come out from his team this season.

Clayton Wilmes is the team’s only senior this year, alongside juniors Bryson Roush, Nate Jermain, Koby Stoll, Spencer McQueen and Cameron Watson. Other sophomores besides Clayton Merrigan and Chase Farnan are Steven Chor, Patrick O’Connor, Derrick Rich, Dalton Luke and Corbin Roush. Freshmen include Levi Burch, Trever McQueen and Trey Holtman.

Last season Jefferson completed a 21-8 record with a conference record of 12-1. They ended up winning their district, but lost the very next round, the state sectionals, to North Andrew.

Another bonus to the players this season will be the excitement of playing under the new gymnasium lights. While junior high basketball got the first crack at the court for game time, the Eagles varsity squad will be able to use the new facility for all of their home games.

Between the new roles everyone is getting, and the anticipation about playing under the new lights, Jermain said he and his team are ready for the season ahead.

“I am looking forward to this season,” Jermain said. “We have a group that loves to play together and really enjoy the game of basketball. They are a hard-working bunch and are eager to continue to improve.”

Jermain enters his 18th year with Jefferson. Assisting him is Charley Burch, who comes into his fifth year with the Eagles.