This Bishop Luers squad is once again defined by its length and athleticism, a combination that again too allows for versatile scoring and tenacious defense. Leading the charge are returning seniors Dereon and Drelyn Truesdale, twin 6’4” guards who powered the offense last season. Dereon led all scorers with 17.5 points per game, while Drelyn was close behind, averaging 15.6 points per game. Their ability to control the game on both ends of the floor will be a cornerstone for the team.
Joining the Truesdale brothers are senior forward Danny Kelly and junior guard Carmani Davis, two more key contributors from last year’s lineup. Kelly, a 6’6” forward, averaged 9.3 points per game and provides a strong inside presence, while Davis, a 5’9” guard, added 8.3 points per game and brings energy and quickness to the backcourt. Rounding out the returning players are senior guards Hunter Meek and Zach Calderon, both 6’0”, and junior guard Keyon Crowe.
The team’s top four scorers are back, bringing with them the offensive firepower that helped the team average nearly 65 points per game last season. With a focus on efficiency, the coaching staff believes this group can improve on its already impressive numbers, particularly by reducing turnovers and increasing ball movement. Last year’s average of 14 assists per game highlights the unselfish play that will continue to be a hallmark of the offense, while limiting turnovers will be key to maximizing scoring opportunities.
“With 4 of our 5 starters returning and our top 4 scorers, expectations are high this year. Our young men are hungry because although our program took a big step forward last year, winning 20 games, competing with and beating some of the best teams in the city, we did not reach any of our goals in March,” coach Seth Coffing said. “Our program is in a very healthy place from top to bottom.”
Defensively, the team was a menace last year, forcing numerous turnovers that fueled its high-scoring offense. This season, the focus is on refining that defensive edge by reducing fouls and forcing opponents into tougher shots. With their length and athleticism, this group has the potential to become a lockdown defensive unit capable of frustrating even the most skilled opponents.
The addition of new players, including 6’4” junior forward Ayle Taylor, who transfers in from Homestead High School, brings further versatility and depth to the roster. Other juniors moving up from JV include Chuck McBride (6’2” forward), Daniel Murphy (6’0” guard), and Nick Sevier (6’0” forward), all of whom are eager to contribute. Freshmen Zen Szaferski, a 5’8” guard, and Jayden Moore, a 6’2” forward, represent the future of the program and will benefit from valuable varsity experience.
“Our incoming Freshmen are an impressive group with a couple that might be able to help our Varsity right away,” Coffing said.
The blend of seasoned veterans and hungry newcomers gives this team a unique balance that will serve them well throughout the season no matter what the lineup looks like behind the returning four. With the Truesdale brothers leading the way, Kelly and Davis anchoring the middle, and the younger players stepping up, this group has the tools to compete at a high level.
“The Luers faithful are excited about our program as a whole and we look forward to building on last year’s success with a BIG step forward by winning championships,” Coffing said.
WHY #2?
Bishop Luers just has a little bit of everything you want on their roster. Experience, youth, drive, Division 1 talent, quality post play, explosive wings, intelligent lead guard play.
That is why they are #2 and lets be honest, would be in the top spot if they had the championship resume.
Luers is going to be a tough out every single night of the season and are likely to be among the opposing team’s toughest challenges all year.
KEY GAME
January 31 at Wayne
With all due respect to other games on either team’s schedule, this is the one that we all have circled. It was big last season and it will be bigger this time around in a lot of ways.
Wayne’s 68-65 win last year was essentially the biggest of their SAC championship season and there is a pretty high expectation from both teams and from outsiders that the game this season will once again determine the conference champion.
Strength against strength. Skill against skill. Crafty against crafty.
Everyone should be all in on January 31 in a game, that if it is for the conference title, could have a crowd that rivals anything Fort Wayne has seen since the old SAC Holiday Tournament finals.
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