Expectations are sky-high this season for the Centerburg boys varsity basketball team.
After last year’s 16-4 record and a second consecutive conference championship, the Trojans have their eyes set on a three-peat.
Coach John Marhefka is back at the helm for the second year. It is Marhefka’s second stint coaching at Centerburg after taking a five-year detour as an assistant coach at Kenyon College that ended before the 2020 season. Marhefka described himself as an old-school coach in some senses but also a coach who wants his players to take ownership for themselves.
“It's bigger than basketball,” he said. “I'm hoping that they can be the best versions of themselves on and off the court."
Centerburg graduated only one senior from last year in Carter Jones, but it is a significant loss. Jones was the team’s leading scorer and undisputed leader.
Still, Marhefka is confident that this year’s senior-heavy squad should have no trouble filling the void left by Jones. Mckinnon Mead and Landon Griffith are both returning captains from last year, and numerous other seniors, including Levi Houck and Jack Gregory, are expected to play significant roles for the Trojans.
There are a couple of newer pieces expected to step up for Centerburg. One of those is senior Evan Merklin, who just moved into the district but had a promising summer with the team. Junior Colton Martin also showed flashes last year and throughout the summer and could be primed to take a big leap forward. Another name to keep an eye on is sophomore Grayson Reynolds, who will look to seize a larger role as the season progresses.
Marhefka feels confident about the team’s offensive firepower, led by floor general Mead. As a team, the Trojans pride themselves in their selflessness on the offensive side of the ball.
“We don't care who scores as long as someone does,” Marhefka said.
One area where the team is looking to improve from last season is imposing more of a post presence.
On the defensive side of the ball, Marhefka expects the team to stick with its bread-and-butter man-to-man scheme. He did hint, however, that the team may explore adding a few new wrinkles into the defense to throw off opponents.
The Trojans' goals this season are no secret: They want to three-peat as conference champions and also make a deep run in the state tournament. Marhefka feels like his squad will be more than up to the task, particularly with fans being able to attend the games after a year of only relatives being admitted.
