Preview: Campus Colts

MEET THE TEAM

It has been 8 years since the last time Campus had a winning record. It has been double that since the last time Campus played in the state tournament. Winning in Haysville has become a problem for every coach that has tried over the last decade. Russell Herman, who has been an assistant the last seven years, is next in line and he believes restoring Colt basketball to its past pride can be done, it's just going to take some time.
Campus returns its two best players from last year, Jordan Sparks and Austin Vaden. Herman is scrapping the old grind-it-out style Campus attempted to win with in the past and installing a polar opposite system that will have the Colts scrambling all over the court, playing as fast as they can and trying to keep that tempo the entire game. It's a strategy not unlike some teams Campus will face, but Herman said "we're just going to have to do it better than they do it."
When Campus does have to settle down and run its offense, Herman said it will be a dribble-drive motion team. That should play right into the talents of Sparks and Vaden, who both should be increases in their scoring this season because of the new system. The Colts will be mostly a perimeter team, as they do not have anyone over 6-foot-3 down low.
Rebounding is always a concern, as is the defense. Since Campus won't be able to match up size-wise with some teams, it will have to take on a scrappy mentality to overcome its flaws. There's more depth on the bench this season, Herman believes, which should help running bodies in and out of the game to maintain the pace they want to play at.
But how quickly can Campus transfer from holding the ball and grinding games out to winning high-scoring affairs? It could take a season or two for the system to fully settle in, but Herman believes this is the way to go. Winning at Campus is possible, but to do so a change in culture was needed. Herman thinks he's delivering that. Now only time will tell how effective it can be for the Colts.

MEET THE CAST

#12 | AUSTIN VADEN | POST | 6'3" | SENIOR
Will be the foundation of the new offense, as his frame is a bit wiry but his athleticism and height should allow him to thrive in the new offensive system. Will be counted on more this season to rebound and defend in the post.
#02 | JORDAN SPARKS | WING | 5'10" | SENIOR
The other senior that will do much of the scoring for the Colts, Sparks is a wing that can score off his jumper or take it to the rim and finish. He'll benefit the most from the new offensive pace and should be in store for a big year.
#33 | COLTON FLAX | POST | 6'3" | SENIOR
He'll be the epitome of a Campus post player: a little under-sized, but plays bigger than 6-3. He's not afraid to scrap underneath and the lefty has a soft touch around the basket and could do most of his scoring off put-backs.
#03 | MARCUS SAUCEDO | WING | 6'0" | SENIOR
Saw varsity minutes last season, but wasn't able to showcase much of his offensive talent. That will change this year, as Saucedo could slide into the starting lineup and will see a larger role as a scorer this year with his 3-point shot.
#23 | GABE CHAVEZ | POINT | 5'10" | SOPHOMORE
Could see the majority of the minutes this season as the team's point guard, despite only being a sophomore. He is advanced for his age and has a good feel for the game and should be a good operator of the new offense.
#10 | STEVEN SOLIS | WING | 6'0" | SOPHOMORE
Another youngster that saw a few garbage time minutes as a freshman. He'll see a lot more this season, as Campus will look to sub in and out more and his scoring ability should make him a valuable piece coming off the bench.
#04 | JOSH STROTKAMP | POST | 6'2" | SENIOR

#01 | CODY NICKS | WING | 5'11" | JUNIOR

FROM COACH HERMAN

"We're going to try this new style and see how it goes. The kids love any time they can play fast. It's a lot more fun style to play and that's part of why we're doing it. Any time you have a change in coaching, there's always a sense of change. I think the kids really feel like it's a fresh start and that's given them some new life. A new coach, a new system, I think they're starting to think maybe new things are possible here." 

THE PREDICTION

The change to the new offense should benefit the talent Campus has on the roster this season. It will help defeat over-matched opponents more easy, but it will probably run them into a buzz saw when they come up against elite teams. That's to be expected in the first year of a system, however. There's no question Campus is moving in the right direction but it still takes time. The schedule is rigorous this season and that might hide Campus' improvement. They could post a similar record from last year, but I think they will be a much more competitive team this season.