MEET THE TEAM
Winning at Ark City, for whatever reason, has been a difficult task in the last decade. The Bulldogs haven't been to the state tournament since 2001 and haven't been much of a factor since then, either. Anthony Brantley has got them close to getting over the hump in his three years, but the Bulldogs have yet to break through.It will be very difficult to do so this season too, as Ark City graduated nine seniors and virtually all of its production from last season's 7-14 team. But starting from scratch gives new hope to the Bulldogs. New opportunities are now available to players that were maybe buried in the rotation last season by the seniors that are waiting to break out. Brantley points out that his JV team, which is now pretty much his varsity, posted a winning record last season.
Another thing Brantley is excited about is the team's offense. Last year's seniors were physical, but did not possess much offensive talent. The Bulldogs struggled to score points and scored fewer than 50 points 16 times. That shouldn't be a problem this season with an infusion of scoring ability coming up to the varsity level.
The three players that Brantley is expecting to lead the team this season are three seniors: point guard Matt Postlewait, slasher Kavin Harris and 6-6 big man Sam Palmer. If those three players rise to the occasion, then Ark City could surprise some people.
Brantley feels like his team will be more athletic than most, so Ark City will look to get into running games with teams. They will likely try to press some, enforce some trapping zones in the halfcourt and just overall increase the tempo of the game. Ark City figures that is where it has the best shot to win games, but it will need to prove that it can score at this level.
It might take some time to transition so many new players to the varsity level. But Brantley does see promise in this squad. They don't have a lot of size outside of Palmer, and even he is lanky and isn't a bruiser down low. Rebounding will be a concern, but Brantley hopes he can mask those problems by creating a hectic tempo and playing a healthy dose of zone.
If this is the season Ark City takes the leap, it will be a surprise to many outside of the program. The Bulldogs are the great unknown of the division. There is some talent there to work with, but most signs point toward the Bulldogs playing the role of underdog and spoiler this season.
MEET THE CAST
#11 | MATT POSTLEWAIT | POINT | 5'10" | SENIOR
One of the few that saw any meaningful minutes last season, Postlewait will be handed the keys to the offense. He's a heady senior and should also be one of the team's leading scorers.
#10 | KAVIN HARRIS | WING | 5'11" | SENIOR
He might be in store for the biggest season of the newcomers. An explosive athlete, Harris is a slasher that loves attacking the basket and should move into a prominent scoring role for this team.
#23 | SAM PALMER | POST | 6'6" | SENIOR
The only player over 6-3 on the roster, Palmer will be an important piece this season. He'll be leaned on heavily to provide rebounding and defense down in the blocks for the Bulldogs. Also has the ability to step out and hit jumpers.
#22 | KADE KANELAKOS | WING | 6'1" | SENIOR
#44 | HAYDEN HEADRICK | WING | 5'10" | JUNIOR
#24 | SKYLER BRYANT | WING | 5'10" | SOPHOMORE
#25 | DREW MEYER | POST | 6'1" | SENIOR
#21 | TEVIN LOLAR | POST | 6'3" | JUNIOR
#02 | TRENT GASHLER | POST | 6'1" | JUNIOR
#24 | CAM ESTRADA | WING | 5'10" | JUNIOR
One of the few that saw any meaningful minutes last season, Postlewait will be handed the keys to the offense. He's a heady senior and should also be one of the team's leading scorers.
#10 | KAVIN HARRIS | WING | 5'11" | SENIOR
He might be in store for the biggest season of the newcomers. An explosive athlete, Harris is a slasher that loves attacking the basket and should move into a prominent scoring role for this team.
#23 | SAM PALMER | POST | 6'6" | SENIOR
The only player over 6-3 on the roster, Palmer will be an important piece this season. He'll be leaned on heavily to provide rebounding and defense down in the blocks for the Bulldogs. Also has the ability to step out and hit jumpers.
#22 | KADE KANELAKOS | WING | 6'1" | SENIOR
#44 | HAYDEN HEADRICK | WING | 5'10" | JUNIOR
#24 | SKYLER BRYANT | WING | 5'10" | SOPHOMORE
#25 | DREW MEYER | POST | 6'1" | SENIOR
#21 | TEVIN LOLAR | POST | 6'3" | JUNIOR
#02 | TRENT GASHLER | POST | 6'1" | JUNIOR
#24 | CAM ESTRADA | WING | 5'10" | JUNIOR
FROM COACH BRANTLEY
"These guys are the first group I've had that's been completely through my program all four years. My seniors, all they know is me in high school basketball. They know our expectations and we feel like we've finally got guys that are completely bought in and play together and have fun. I think if we can do that then this team has a shot at getting over that hump."
THE PREDICTION
Ark City lost pretty much everyone from last year, but it might be a case where they need a new identity. Last season they struggled because they couldn't score. This team shouldn't have that problem, but the opposite. If Ark City can find enough defense and rebounding, then it could have a chance to surprise some people in the league. But inexperience against quality teams like Andover, Central and Eisenhower will be tough to mask. Anything close to a winning record would be an accomplishment for the Bulldogs. 
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