There have been few highs for Highland's boys basketball team in recent seasons, but this year's squad might be set up to reverse that trend.
The Fighting Scots last finished over .500 in 2018-19, when they also took a KMAC title at 12-2. They have struggled ever since, improving slightly each year but still below the even mark, and they wound up at 9-14 last year with a 5-9 record in Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference play. However, coach Mike DeLaney, who does double-duty as Highland's athletic director, said he is enthusiastic about the upcoming season as a core of six returning lettermen will be leading the charge for the Fighting Scots.
“We are excited about the start of the 2022-2023 season,” DeLaney said. “The loss of our four seniors from last year leaves big shoes to fill. I believe our returning letter winners and younger players are ready for that challenge. The MOAC will once again be filled with very good teams that we are excited to compete against. We are looking to continue to improve, both individually and as a team, throughout the season. We will play hard, smart and together.”
The team is made up of seniors Brock Church, Gavin Hankins, Blake Prior, Zach Schmidt, Gavin Debord and Emerson Grassbaugh. Juniors include Dane Nauman, Jace Brooks, Ranger Steck and Aron West. Kort Sears is in his sophomore season and freshmen include Gavin Toombs and Zach Church.
While the team lost its two highest scorers to graduation – Garrett Fitzpatrick and Jordan Bellamy at 12.0 points per game – Church was third on the team in scoring with 7.9 points to go with 2.7 boards and 1.8 assists per game last year. Hankins also looks to build off a year where he contributed across the board with 4.9 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.4 assists. Hankins was the team’s second best rebounder last year. All-Ohio football running back Nauman also looks to be be a main contributor on the hardcourt, coming off a year in which he averaged 4.6 points and 3.6 boards.
DeLaney said he hopes that a team-first attitude, competitiveness and willingness to sacrifice individual accolades for the team will lead to a successful season.
The Fighting Scots host Lakewood Nov. 25 at 7 p.m. for the first game of the season.
