Experience key to Jefferson success

By Phil Cobb | November 20, 2015 |

SUBMITTED PHOTO
The 2015 Jefferson boys’ basketball team roster includes: Front row, from left: Koby Stoll, Regan Meyer, Ben Jermain, Corby Walker, Bryce Deen, Jason Sullivan Spencer McQueen, Dakota Coffman. Back: Coach Tim Jermain, Grant Meyer, Michael Burch, Nate Jermain, Caden Farnan, Dakota Bliley, Clayton Wilmes, coach Charley Burch.

The Jefferson boys’ basketball team heads into the 2015-2016 season with plenty of confidence after finishing last season one win shy of a district title, losing to Stanberry in the Class 1, District 15 championship.

The Eagles finished 19-9 overall, 7-0 in the Platte Valley Conference, and won the PVC Tournament.

Jefferson enters this season with eight players that played significant minutes last season and head coach Tim Jermain expects this year to be an improvement from last year.

“Last year, experience was at a minimum,” Jermain said. “We return a wealth of experience this year. I think this team can be very competitive every night.”

First-team All-Conference and All-District selection senior Bryce Deen, who averaged 12.9 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game, returns this year, alongside honorable mention All-Conference selections seniors Ben Jermain, Jason Sullivan, Corby Walker, and junior Michael Burch.

While those five received postseason accolades, they weren’t the only ones who contributed to last season’s success. The squad also returns juniors Caden Farnan, Grant Meyer, and Regan Meyer.

Jefferson will play in the PVC this season, the last year of the conference, once the two-mega conferences are created (275 Conference and Grand River Conference.)

The Eagles will have a tough road ahead this year in the conference with DeKalb returning its entire team and North Andrew returning several key players. Jermain said South Nodaway will also be a team to watch in the conference.

“Our goals will be to continue to improve throughout the year,” Jermain said. “We would like to compete for conference and district titles. We want to do well in conference and in tournament play.”

Jefferson starts regular-season play at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 24 against South Harrison at home.