One thing basketball fans will quickly notice when watching Boone Central in 2008-09 is the absence of veteran Cardinal Coach Chuck Perone patrolling the sideline.
With Perone ending his lengthy Albion/Boone Central career, Dan Zoucha – a player and longtime assistant under Perone – will assume the coaching reins.
Zoucha’s presence as Boone Central’s head coach will not be all that’s new for a Cardinal program that returns just three lettermen from an 18-4 team that finished as district runner-up to eventual Class C1 state champion Hastings St. Cecelia.
Assistant Coaches Roger Gentrup and Todd Kramer will also be new faces on the Cardinal bench (along with veteran BC football mentor Arnie Johnson coaching freshmen) and many of the players who take the court in ‘08-09 will be seeing their first extensive varsity action.
That doesn’t mean the Cards are starting completely from scratch, however.
Boone Central will rely on its two returning starters to provide a solid nucleus and Zoucha is confident in the group of athletes who will support them.
“With two starters back from a district runner-up team, we believe that their experience will help develop our new players into the rotation,” Zoucha commented. “Our schedule changes little this year and our players know they will have to play hard each night.
“Defense and rebounding will be the keys to success for this team. Many of the players worked hard in the weight room and in improving their skills during the off-season.”
Boone Central will be led by the dynamic duo of seniors Ryan Shotkoski (6-2, G) and Kalvin Zoucha (6-5, F/C). Both should be serious candidates for post-season honors in 2008-09.
Senior guard Dusty Dozler (5-8) is the only other returning letterman for the Cards, but Zoucha will count on a large number of players who performed on his junior varsity squad a year ago.
Following are his comments on players expected to contribute during the upcoming campaign:
Ryan Shotkoski, “Has a great understanding of the game. Two-year starter and a good leader on the floor. Averaged 10.7 points and 2.7 assists last year.”
Kalvin Zoucha, “Proved to be one of our strongest players inside a year ago. Midway starter who made a definite impact in the game. Averaged seven points and five rebounds.”
Dusty Dozler, “A good defender who plays the game with a lot of energy and heart.”
Jordan Hupp (6-1, Sr., F), “Improved from a year ago. Has the potential to be a good rebounder and intermediate shooter.”
Dustin Christo (5-11, Jr., F), “Has good strength. Rebounds well and is able to position himself well against taller opponents.”
Kevin Liss (6-0, Jr., G), “Tough defender. Able to take the ball to the hoop when needed.”
Nathan Olson (6-4, Jr., C), “Could be a force inside. Lifted well over the summer and has improved his inside game.”
Alex Schafer (5-8, Jr., G), “Team player who has improved his shooting.”
Julian Kunzman (6-0, Jr., G), “Has a very good outside shot.”
Bryce Morgan (5-8, Sr., F), “Good leader. Smart and positive.”
Ryan Imus (5-10, Sr., G), “Good 3-point shooter. Great team attitude.”
Boone Central will once again feature a tough schedule built around the rugged Mid-State Conference. The Cards will be in the C1-6 Sub-District field with Scotus, David City, North Bend Central and Twin River.
All in all, its a new look for an intriguing 2008-09 season.
Boone Central Cardinal Boys Feature New Look
