Preview: Andale Indians

MEET THE TEAM

Coming off the most successful season under Buchanan, Andale graduated all five starters and another contributor from its 19-win team. That’s typical under Buchanan and he expects the four - Hunter Knoblauch, Ben Seiler, Daniel Carney, and Gerad Deaver - returning from the rotation to assume control of the team. Everyone else will be new to varsity.
Andale thrives on its effort on defense translating to easy points and is patient enough to run through its offense until a good shot presents itself. The key to that will be Knoblauch, the sophomore point guard who was all-state honorable mention as a freshman.
Seiler, a 6-5 senior guard who likes to play around the perimeter, will be a constant mismatch, and the Indians will be solid in the post with Deaver (6-6) and Carney (6-3).
Buchanan doesn’t script his offense; he lets his players play freely and react to what they see instead of waiting for something to happen.
But success for Andale begins and ends with its defense. Last season it held 17 of 23 opponents under 50 points and won 16 of those games. Expect much of the same this year, as a new batch of seniors steps in and Knoblauch blossoms into one of the most promising guards in the league.
It looks like the league title will go through Collegiate this season, but Andale should have something to say about that - and a trip to the state tournament - before the end of the season.

MEET THE CAST

#01 | HUNTER KNOBLAUCH | GENERAL | 6'0" | SOPHOMORE
Earned honorable mention all-state as a freshman coming off the bench last season. His role will expand this season as the reins will be handed over to him. High on basketball IQ, Knoblauch should flourish with more playing time in his second season.
#10 | BEN SEILER | WING | 6'5" | SENIOR
Probably the most capable scorer on the team, Seiler will cause headaches for opponents with guard skills on a 6-5 frame, complete with a deft shooting touch and ball handling ability around the perimeter.
#43 | GERAD DEAVER | POST | 6'6" | SENIOR
Lanky frame and is a standout high jumper in the spring. After coming off the bench last season, he will have to step into an expanded role as a defensive presence protecting the basket and rebounding.
#25 | DANIEL CARNEY | POST | 6'4" | SENIOR
Another big body in the post at 6-4, Carney is a scrappy player and a defensive stalwart down low for the Indians. He contributed in bits last season, but now as a starter more is expected from him.
#03 | CORY REICHENBERGER | WING | 6'0" | SENIOR
An added boost of athleticism on the wing, he's a promotion from the JV team last year. Likely a defensive spark and a blue-collar worker for the Indians.
#50 | JASON HERMRECK | WING | 6'2" | SOPHOMORE
Didn't play, but suited up last season as a freshman. He'll be thrown into the fire this season and could start immediately; he has the skill set to contribute right now. 

FROM COACH BUCHANAN

"The thing that has made us successful year-in and year-out is our man-to-man defense. And we've had some quality stats that can back that up, where we have held teams well under their points per game average. Our young men are not afraid to work hard. That makes it easier to convince them working hard and playing good quality man defense is how to win. That makes everything a lot more fun."

THE PREDICTION

The defense alone under Buchanan, a defensive disciple, makes Andale a lock for a winning season. The Indians should clean up on the weaker Ark Valley teams, but might not have enough offense to compete with the elite teams. I'm calling for at least 12 wins and probably upwards of that in the regular season and another strong push for a berth to the Class 4A tournament.