Gillett boys basketball preview

Team: Gillett Tigers

Conference: Marinette & Oconto

2021-22 conference/overall results: 9-7 in M&O; 12-15 overall.

2021-22 tournament results: Lost to Gibraltar in regional final.

Returning starters/varsity players (positions): Seniors: Austin VandeCorput (guard/forward). Juniors: Aydin Franti (guard), Ben Matczak (guard), Brandon DeBauch (forward), Bradin Bjelland (forward), Tyler Frank (guard/forward), Garrett Klein (guard), Grayson Klein (guard). Sophomores: Jesse DeBauch (guard).

New athletes who could make impact this season: Sophomores: Ryan Pensis (guard), Lavonzell Smith (forward).

Returning all-conference players: Second team: Aydin Franti, Ben Matczak. Honorable mention: Austin VandeCorput, Jesse DeBauch.

Coach’s comment on the upcoming season: “We will have several athletes returning that have started a varsity contest in the previous two seasons, so our expectation is that we will continue to develop our game physically and emotionally,” said Russ Young. “This group has been playing together for several years, so we expect team chemistry to help lead to on-floor success. We have several athletes that can score which should make it challenging on defenses.

“Our biggest area of concern is developing a strong interior game to complement our shooters. Defensively we will have to improve our rebounding in order to help us control the tempo of the game.”