Preview: Goddard Lions

MEET THE TEAM

Since the Goddard district split into two high schools, Goddard has been on the rough end of the split. The Lions have won just 5 of their 46 games since and have lost in the first round of sub-state each season. But the Lions made a good hire in coach Kyle Taylor, snagged off Jesse Herrmann's staff at Andover Central, and he has the program headed in the right direction.

One thing will be certain this season: Goddard has more talent, at least at the top of its roster, than it ever has before. Depth is a concern, but seniors Tucker Vang and Ryan Norquist are two players capable of making the all-league team and averaging double-digit points. But really Goddard's season will come down to this 5-piece senior core of Vang, Norquist, Maxie Mikle, Austin Chippeaux, and Corey Dugan. They have been complimentary players in the past; now they must raise their level of play if Goddard is to make a move upward.

It will be a disappointment if this team doesn't turn out to be the most competitive under Taylor's reign. They have more experience, more talent, and more leadership than they've ever had before. Suddenly becoming a dominant, 15-win team is probably out of the question, but Goddard has serious plans of making a push for a 10-win season. Just like any other program currently in a dry spell, they're going to have to learn how to win. It's going to take a few wins early, which will be crucial for this team, to turn this into a memorable season.

The offense, which had issues of stalling out and finished under 50 points in 15 of its 21 games, should be in better condition this season with two players that can create in Vang and Norquist. This year when sets can't create a shot, either of these seniors will be able to generate offense. Who else is going to step up and score remains to be seen, however. The rest of the cast is capable of chipping in occasionally, but no one has played a role as a counted-upon scorer. Goddard will need to be efficient with its sets to mask this because there's not a natural point guard in the bunch.

The development of Chippeaux will be something to watch. Already a disruptive force on defense and on the boards at 6-foot-6, if he develops a go-to move in the post he could be an X-Factor for the Lions. Mikle's impact on this team will also go underrated because he won't rack up a lot of anything, but he provides a reliable perimeter defender that is willing to scrap for loose balls and has a knack for the ball.

How well Goddard can defend will go a long way in determined how many wins it can rack up this season. Simply put, the Lions won't win very many games trying to out-score people. They're going to give themselves the best shot keeping games at 55 points and under. Last season Goddard kept only four opponents under 50 points. That total must double if Goddard is to have much more success than it did last season.

MEET THE CAST

#12 | TUCKER VANG | WING | 6'3" | SENIOR
A shooter with nice size that must be accounted for, but also has improved his ability to score when he puts the ball down and attacks. Already a go-to option, Vang is a better overall player this year and has the ability to average 15 points a game this season.
#3 | RYAN NORQUIST | WING | 6'0" | SENIOR
Has the athleticism to hang with anybody and will be given the opportunity to exploit that on offense this season. Possesses the stroke to be considered an outside threat, but should score plenty attacking the basket. A true dual-threat that should average double-figures for the Lions.
#25 | MAXIE MIKLE | WING | 6'1" | SENIOR
The glue guy that every team needs, he's willing to do the dirty work that goes unnoticed. The team's top perimeter defender and a top-notch rebounder (5.6 rpg) for his size, Mikle won't impress you with his stats but he will with his effort.
#41 | AUSTIN CHIPPEAUX | POST | 6'6" | SENIOR
His length and wingspan can erase a lot of defensive mistakes from the perimeter and he is a force rebounding on both ends. His offensive game is still developing, but Chippeaux will be a presence on both ends of the court just because of his height.
#31 | COREY DUGAN | POST | 6'2" | SENIOR
Taylor called him the most improved player heading into the season. A great leader, Dugan isn't likely to be a leading scorer but will play an important role as one of the team's top rebounders that will be heavily relied upon against larger opponents.
#22 | JESSE SQUIRES | WING | 6'1" | JUNIOR
Currently nursing a hand injury and is expected to make his debut after the Christmas break. Should help the Lions along the perimeter with ball handling and another high-energy guy that can come in and provide a spark to the team.

FROM COACH TAYLOR

"Consistency is going to be a big thing for us. In my first two years here, we've struggled putting a full game together. Looking back, I can remember a lot of good quarters or a good half, but we've had very few full games. I think we have a good group of guys this year that can put together that full game."

THE PREDICTION

Taylor walked into a challenging rebuilding project when he accepted his first head coaching position at Goddard in 2011. The Lions have won 2 and 3 games in his first two years, so it's not groundbreaking to say they will add to their win total this season. But I think what you will see this year is a much improved product on the floor for Goddard. That should translate to more wins, but you look at the schedule and it's a hard one. I'm calling for Goddard to be an improved team, but it's going to be hard to win more than 5 games this season in a more balanced division and difficult schedule.