Genoa-Kingston has work cut out for themselves

Updated: March 22, 2011 5:04PM

Honorable mention All-State scorer Scott Suchy may have graduated, but Genoa-Kingston's basketball team can still shoot the ball.

The problem is, the Cogs may need to hit as many of those shots as possible because they'll find it hard to challenge teams on the boards without an inside presence.

"Inexperience and height are our two weaknesses," said Cogs coach Corey Jenkins, now in his ninth season. "Shooting, though, is our strength."

The lack of a big man seemed an even bigger obstacle to overcome during football season after 6-foot-1 post player Dom Calendo suffered a tear of an anterior cruciate ligament. It's possible he'll be available, but it's uncertain when or whether he'll be able to play full time.

"The possibility is we've lost eight of our top 10 from last year," said Jenkins, whose team finished 19-8 last year.

They do have returning senior guard Bryan Baumgarten, who averaged seven points a game last season, and 5-11 senior point guard Bret Lucca, who averaged 3.5 points per game for a regional final qualifying team. Also, senior 6-1 post player Rob Thurlby played a very minor role last year with the varsity and may be needed to fill the role of board sweeper and interior defender.

"All of our guys have that ability to step out and hit a 15-foot jumper," Jenkins said.

The player the Cogs will likely need to lean on heavily for an inside presence is 6-3 junior center Matt Rasmussen.

"He has worked really hard as far as developing post moves offensively," Jenkins said. "Hopefully he's strong enough to compete with the top posts in our conference."

Junior 6-foot guard Andrew Oplt could provide more shooting.

"He's capable of some real streak shooting and may be our best shooter," Jenkins said.

Junior 5-11 guard David Garza, 6-1 sophomore forward Adam Price and 6-foot sophomore forward James Woloszyk will have to play roles, as well.

"The younger guys are surprising us in practice, but the big question will be are they mentally tough when the game is on the line?" Jenkins said. "We're searching for some effective combinations."

The lack of height can be a problem in the Big Northern West, where teams like Winnebago and Byron annually prove an obstacle -- and should again.

"The last four or five years we've been right there behind Winnebago and Byron but couldn't quite figure a way to beat those two," Jenkins said. "I'm not saying this year we will, but hopefully we'll go out and compete with the higher caliber teams."

The Cogs open the season Monday against River Ridge Monday in the Oregon Thanksgiving tournament. They'll play in the Plano Christmas tournament.

"We'll find out where we're at down in Plano," Jenkins said. "It's a 3A and 2A tournament and we've been in the semifinals the last six years."

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