Experience returns for Clifton-Clyde boys

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  • Experience returns for Clifton-Clyde boys
    Experience returns for Clifton-Clyde boys
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A lot of scoring and size returns to this year’s senior-heavy Clifton-Clyde Eagles team, which hopes to improve on last year’s sub-state semi-final finish. Jim Blackwell starts his fourth year as head coach at Clifton-Clyde. He led last year’s team to a 16-8 record. He owns a 47-20 at Clifton-Clyde over his tenure.

The team will be led by two all-league selections from last year. Senior Aiden Rudolph was a first team guard, who averaged 8.7 points, 3.3 assists and 2.6 steals per game. The 6-6 senior Wyatt Lange was a second team post, who averaged 10.2 points per game and 5.8 rebounds per game. The team lost four key players to graduation last year, including Thomas Biery, Gunner Coffman, Slater Lawson and Eric Peterson, but Clifton-Clyde has quite a few players with plenty of playing experience, since Blackwell subbed heavily last year.

“We have several returning players with experience and a deep bench,” said Blackwell. “These guys are quick, play well together and have a great work ethic.”

Other players returning with starting experience include seniors Douglas Koch, a 6-1 forward; Jarik Weiche, a post who led the team with 6.2 rebounds per game; and Isaiah LeDuc-Pierce, a guard. Junior guard Tee Koch also had starting experience and averaged 7.5 points per game.

Other top returning players include Dawson Girard and Alex Seifert, both seniors, and 6-2 junior Jett Skocny.

“Keys to success this season will be to stay healthy, play smart defense and force our opponents to make mistakes,” said Blackwell. “Offensively, we need to take care of the ball, minimize turnovers, take advantage of our inside strength and make smart shot selections.”