There is probably not a better way to come into the league than with talent at all positions. Zach Kepple enters his first season as the Gremlins head coach and has to like what he sees. Gone however, is Karns City’s all-time leading scorer in point guard, Chase Beighley, who primarily set the tone for the Gremlins the last four seasons as the floor general. Replacing his leadership could be key for the Gremlins success.
With eleven games into the 2021-2022 season the Gremlins are off to an impressive 10-2 start at press time.
Offensively the Gremlins are averaging 47 points per game while yielding only 36 points per game.
“I think the team has done a good job of finding our identity and doing the things that allow us to be successful. We had to grind out a few close games and have responded successfully to unpredictable situations”, stated Kepple. And the standard does not fall off for the Gremlins. “Our goal is to win the KSAC, the District IX and continue into the state playoffs.”
Thus far the Gremlins have used a combination of scoring and defense to stack up the wins. It has been a team effort with anyone capable of scoring.
Key play makers include so., Luke Cramer, 14.3 ppg, 6 rpg; so. Taite Beighley, 10.2 ppg, 4 rpg, 4 apg. “Beighley handles pressure well and does a great job of facilitating the offense for us”, Kepple lamented. Cramer has shown the ability to put up big numbers at any time. Several games he put down nearly twenty points in just a half.
A strength for the Gremlins this year has been their stout defense and ability to control the boards. Kepple likes that style of play. “We thrive on offense when we are creating turnovers and score points in transition.”
And according to Kepple, sr., guard Cole Sherwin, 8 ppg is a catalyst for his Gremlins. “Cole plays great defense for us and can get things moving.
Other returning starters include 6-4", jr. Micah Rupp 10.4 ppg., 9 rpg and 3 blocks per game. Rupp can change the game in the paint with his size and athleticism. Rupp has several dunks on the season.
6-3 "sr. Luke Garing has contributed nicely through scoring, 6 ppg and rebounding, netting 10 caroms per game.
Other key contributors that have been in the mix include so., Hobbie Bartoe, jr. Braden Grossman, and so., Jacob Callihan.
To continue in the win column and gear up to playoff mode, Kepple would like to see his team be more consistent offensively. “We need to be more consistent on offense and not fall into droughts where we do not score for several minutes. We have done that a few times this year and for us to be successful in the playoffs that cannot happen.”
Upcoming games include five out of six road games:
1/25 at North Clarion
2/2 at Keystone
2/8 at Redbank
2/10 at C-L
2/11 at East Forest
2/16 (H) vs. Moniteau
Come on out and show your support!
Sponsors:
Pizza Joe Ph: 724-445-7200
