Moniteau boys roster deep, experienced

By JOHN ENRIETTO Eagle Sports Editor

November 30, 2005 Last Updated: November 30, 2005 12:06 PM High School

CHERRY TWP — No wins, 10 losses.

That's the kind of start Moniteau's varsity boys basketball team got off to last year — and wants to avoid getting off to this year.

"Ultimately, that cost us going to the playoffs," coach Randy Armagost said. "We were battling some nagging injuries and just took too long to get going.

"One thing we've concentrated on this off-season is getting the kids ready for basketball as early as we can health-wise and making a smooth transition for our football players."

One such move was making open gym available virtually anytime.

"Some kids could only come in the morning, some in the afternoon or at night," Armagost said. "We made it available to them. Everybody got some extra work in and that's going to pay off."

Moniteau was 9-5 in conference play a year ago and won 10 of its final 14 games overall. All five starters — and plenty of rebounding ability — return this season.

Senior guard Tyler Grossman — third on Moniteau's all-time scoring list with 1,089 points — averaged 18 points, 9.2 assists and 9.7 rebounds per game last year.

Grossman missed a few games early in the year because of an injured hamstring.

"We need Tyler to do a little bit of everything for us to be successful," Armagost said.

"My goal is to win a championship," Grossman said. "Whatever is needed from me to make that happen, I'm up for it."

Grossman was not alone in terms of hitting the boards for Moiniteau. Matt Schandelmeier, a 6-foot-3 senior forward, averaged 10½ rebounds per game while 6-3 junior Matt Buczkowski averaged 11 boards per contest.

Zach Thompson, a 6-2 senior guard/forward, averaged 9.2 points and 9.3 rebounds per game last year.

Senior point guard Garth Kohlmeyer rounds out the starting five.

"We averaged about 56 rebounds per game last year," Armagost said. "We had 41 defensive rebounds in one game, 72 rebounds in another game … We controlled the boards in almost every game we played.

"There's no reason to believe that won't continue."

Add to that mix 6-10 senior Barry Jones, a 295-pound forward.

"Barry came a long way over the summer," Armagost said. "He didn't play his sophomore year, but has been making big strides ever since.

"Two years ago, we had no post players. Now we have six or seven. For the first time in my six years here, foul trouble inside shouldn't hurt us."

Depth shouldn't hurt the Warriors, either.

Moniteau has a long bench, one that includes seniors Chris Switzer, Clay Campbell and David Rumbaugh, juniors Adam Cousins and Nick Morrow, sophomores Aaron Randall and Josh Loos, even freshman Tyler Armagost.

"Garth Kohlmeyer was our point guard last year, but played on a sore ankle," Armagost said. "Schandelmeier was banged up early last year. These guys are much healthier now.

"In my first five years here, I could go six or seven-deep if I was lucky. This year, everybody on this roster can play."

As for the Keystone Shortway Athletic Conference race, Armagost sees Union as a top contender, along with Clarion and Karns City.

"Union should be very good, but we can be up there with them," he said. "Clarion has a lot of talent back and Karns City always finds a way to win.

"I like what I'm, seeing with these kids. We've been together a week and a half and they've shown a different attitude already. That slow start last year … It's not going to happen this time."

MONITEAU HIGH SCHOOL 2005-06 Boys Basketball Schedule

Dec. 2-3-

at Ford City Tournament;

Dec. 6-

KEYSTONE;

Dec. 8-

at Cranberry;

Dec. 14-

at Karns City;

Dec. 16-

ROCKY GROVE;

Dec. 20-