By Chris Parker
Salem boys basketball has hovered around .500 each of the past two seasons, finishing 15-13 two seasons ago and 14-15 last season.
Head coach Jared Patterson is looking to take a step forward this year with some experience returning.
“We have competed for district and SCA titles the last couple of years but this year we want to win one,” Patterson said. “We have high expectations and, with several players returning, we believe we can achieve those goals this season.”
Senior second-team all-conference selection Braiden Gapsch returns for his third season as a starter.
“It is a huge advantage for Braiden Gapsch returning for his third season. He is like having another coach on the court and in practice. His voice and presence are important and give the rest of the team the confidence to play,” Patterson said. “His shooting and scoring ability set up the rest of our offense. When he is clicking, he is difficult to guard and opens it up for other guys to score.”
Fellow senior Gavin Sapaugh earned honorable mention all-conference honors last season.
“Gavin Sapaugh is the heartbeat of our team. He is our best vocal leader and sets the tone for our entire team. His leadership is a huge strength and benefits our team,” Patterson said. “I have huge expectations for Gavin Sapaugh this season. He improved so much from the beginning of the season to the end. Gavin plays inside at the forward position. He does really well attacking the basket from the high post or baseline. He also has some good post moves with his back to the basket.”
Senior guard Lincoln Thomas earned all-district honors last season.
“He is a solid guard who can handle the ball really well and can create his own shot,” Patterson said. “We want Lincoln to be more aggressive on the offensive end this season and add some more tools to his game.”
Junior guard Brody Ray has had a great off-season in the weight room.
“Brody Ray was a solid guard for us last season,” Patterson said. “He has built up a lot of muscle and been working in the weight room. We want that strength to translate on the basketball court with him attacking the rim and defending the other team’s best player.”
Sophomore forward Eli Wofford is looking for a breakout season.
“Eli Wofford has been a player that has really stepped up this off-season,” Patterson said. “He has so much skill underneath the basket and has really worked on his outside game.”
Junior guard Tyson Connors is back after suffering an injury last season.
“Tyson Connors has put time in the gym this off-season,” Patterson said. “His season last year was cut short due to a knee injury. Tyson is an athletic guard who has a solid mid-range and a very good defender.”
Experience and balance will be strengths for Salem.
“Our biggest strength this season is our balanced team effort,” Patterson said. “We have several players each night that can get it done for us. Experience will be a key as well because we bring back so many that saw varsity minutes last season. Lastly is motivation, we lost the district championship last season by one point so that motivates our group to get better and improve each day.”
Patterson will look for his team to be better in transition.
“Transition offense is something we have put a lot of effort into improving,” Patterson said. “We have to push the pace and have a more smooth translation into our offense. Also our man-to-man defense needs to get better this season. We struggled at times to match up with other teams.”
Salem opens the season on Nov. 25 at Licking.
“We have high goals and high expectations, so a district title and an SCA title will be things we are working on to accomplish this season,” Patterson said.
