Experienced leadership and new talent too combine to define the season outlook for East Noble in their fourth year under head coach Brandon Durnell.
The guard heavy lineup that features three of Outside the Huddle Top 50 players will be used critically in how the games will be played for the Knights. They have shooters, multiple lead guards and an almost unrivaled energy, especially in the NE8.
“We are looking to fly in transition, while getting after people defensively. We will be undersized but hope to use some physicality to make up for it. Even with a couple injuries, our goals and expectations are not changing,” Durnell said.
Mason Treesh, a junior guard and NE8 Second Team honoree who contributed 8.6 points and 2 assists per game last season, is set to have a massive season. Seniors Kobe Ritchie (10.3 points, 7.1 rebounds per game) and Nathan Bowker (7.6 points, 2.5 assists per game) provide additional firepower and court vision. Ritchie spent his healthy games last season as a real interior issue for every opponent while Bowker is a versatile guard who can play lead guard or off ball to get downhill.
Meanwhile, Landon Swogger, a versatile 6’3” senior guard, adds great athleticism and scoring depth with his 6.7 points per game last season.
Hopefully returning at some point at the forefront is Ryker Quake, a 6’2” senior guard and NE8 First Team selection. Quake’s ability to take over games with his scoring prowess (11.8 points per game) and defensive tenacity (2 steals per game) sets the tone for this squad when healthy. Quake’s preseason injury is expected to keep him out for the majority, if not all, of the season but if he gets to return, his shooting is an important aspect for the Knights.
“We are as excited as we can be for this upcoming season! We return our entire starting lineup from last season. We have dealt with a huge piece of adversity with Ryker going down, but we have a ton of hungry young players who are ready to step up make plays in those minutes,” Durnell said.
The newcomers hope to inject fresh energy and versatility into the lineup. Sophomore Alex Scott, a 6’3” guard/forward returning from an injury last season, is expected to make an immediate impact with his size and athleticism as a likely replacement for Quake in the starting lineup.
Juniors Evan Cope, Owen Sowles and sophomore Ry Hathaway bring experience from their roles as JV starters, giving the team added depth and flexibility. Cope and Sowles will reinforce the backcourt, while Hathaway offers a mix of inside and outside play as a guard/forward.
WHY #4?
East Noble features a starting lineup that could rival anyone else in the area as things click. They take hit with the loss of Quake for the majority of the season but Scott is likely to be able to jump in and help defensively as the other pick up the slack offensively.
A great football season feeds into the excitement too as the seasons that Swogger, Treesh and Ritchie had on the gridiron will only fuel their momentum.
East Noble can do a lot of things and they can do it without a true post even. Their upside this season is one of the better stories in Northeast Indiana, so in the preseason at least they have to be this high in a power poll.
KEY GAME
JANUARY 17 at DEKALB
The NE8 is so open this season in many regards that any game in the conference could be key, but considering the type of strategic matchup this could be against DeKalb, it may be the first of the most important conference games for East Noble.
Coach Brandon Durnell and DeKalb head man Marty Beasley has the potential to be a great battle on the sidelines on top of the their two teams matching up relatively well.
East Noble has won the last two meetings and Durnell and Beasley are 2-2 against each other all-time.
As East Noble’s third conference game and the first of a back-to-back games that also features Leo, so gaining momentum in this one may be critical to the outcome of the conference.
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