DELTA CONTINUES STRONG RUN, OFF TO 5-1 START

It looks like Delta's impressive recent run of strong seasons will continue this year.

The Bobcats have been among the area's top small-school teams the past two seasons, posting a combined record of 37-16. And entering the tournament, they were off to a 5-1 start this year prior to last Friday's game against Oran.

"I think everyone has high hopes every year," said Delta coach Nate Crowden. "But we have a special group of kids. They're hard working and fun to work with."

But Crowden said there is still much room for improvement for the Bobcats, whose only loss has been a five-point setback at undefeated Kelly.

"At times we're playing well, but we're not as consistent as we want to be," Crowden said. "But they're playing hard."

Delta finished a strong fourth in last season's tournament and the Bobcats are seeded a solid fifth this year. Delta will face No. 12 Advance at 4:30 p.m. Friday in a first-round game.

"We did well (in the tournament) last year and hopefully we'll play well again," said Crowden.

Depth has been a strength for the Bobcats, who get quality minutes out of all 12 of their players.

"I wouldn't say we're extremely deep, but everybody that comes in knows their role and can help us in their way," said Crowden. "We have 12 kids and most of them play about every game."

A potential drawback is that the Bobcats are not overly big, with no player taller than 6-3. Still, they've managed to fare well on the boards so far.

"We're not a big team, but we can play with big teams," Crowden said. "But we still need to do a better job on the boards."

Delta's top player is 6-3 senior Garrett DeBrock, a two-time all-district selection who averaged 20 points per game last year and is right about at that scoring mark so far this season.

The Bobcats have also gotten a boost from 5-10 senior Shawn Kinder, who missed much of last season with a back injury but is now healthy and averaging about 17 points a contest.

Andy Blattel, a 6-0 senior, is scoring about 15 points a game while 6-2 senior Aaron Altenthal and 5-10 senior Lonnie Cook round out the starting lineup.

A host of players -- all juniors -- have given strong contributions off the bench, with 5-10 Greg Voelker and 5-9 Ryan Livingston both averaging in double figures.

Also contributing have been 6-1 Sam Kight, 5-10 Lucas Green, 6-2 Dustin Nothdurft, 6-0 James Gaddis and 5-10 Josh Worthy.

Of his team's game with Advance Friday, Crowden said. "(Coach) Derek (Urhahn) does a good job. I know they'll play hard and we need to play as hard as they do."