Cubs try to fill huge vacancy left by 6-foot-10 Bogan

The big question for Bell City is how it will replace 6-foot-10 center Will Bogan, who graduated and is now a freshman at Southeast Missouri State.

"The good news is that we've got pretty much most of the team back," Bell City coach Brian Brandtner said. "We've got four guys who started at different points of the season back. We've got a lot of experience and a lot of toughness and I think we're going to be pretty good."

The other good news for Bell City is that it will add a talented point guard who transferred from Scott City last December, Ethan Watkins. He had to sit out one year because of the transfer and likely will see his first action Dec. 13 against Bernie.

The team's scoring method will be different this season. Bogan averaged close to 25 points per game and was the Cubs' go-to guy last season.

"Last year we dumped it down to the big guy a lot and he scored for us," Brandtner said. "This year we're going to have to find different ways than that."

Brandtner said he's got a number of guards who shoot the ball well, including Nick Niemczyk and Melvin Johnson, both of whom started last year. He said Watkins will add another dimension to the offense, not only setting up plays, but also acting as a threat from outside in addition to Niemczyk.

Phillip Gross also returns to the lineup, bringing strong athleticism and the ability to shoot. Brandtner said he'll spread the players out and take the outside shots.

Johnson likely will play point guard until Watkins receives his first start.

"I can't wait for him [Watkins] to start playing for us," Brandtner said. "He's got a great motor and he can get that ball moving up and down the floor. He's got great floor vision. He's a great offensive weapon. He can pass. He can score well. He can stretch the defense. He can penetrate."

Brandtner said Watkins also will be a presence on defense. The Cubs mainly run a man-to-man defense.

He joins Marty Dames, who set the tone on defense last year and is typically the player Brandtner selected to defend the opposing team's top scorer.

"He rebounds, he dives on the floor and he guards the heck out of people," Brandtner said.

Brandtner also expects guard Ronnie Gross, 5-11 forward/center Brandon Bell, 6-2 forward/center John Paul Arnold, 7-1 sophomore center Skylear Blacklear and guard/forward Austin Bush to contribute.

"It's going to be a lot of guys really," Brandtner said. "We're going to have a much smaller lineup. We don't necessarily have a true post player or a 6-9 kid, but we've got a bunch of kids who can play ball."

Brandtner likes his team's chances to return to the final four, even without Bogan.

"We have high expectations," Brandtner said. "I like our squad, I like our chances and I'd take my boys up against anybody."