Preview: Wellington Crusaders

MEET THE TEAM

It had been seven years since the last time Wellington hadn't won eight games, until the Crusaders suffered through a 5-win campaign last year. Things didn't work out for them last season, but the good news is that it will be working with nearly an entirely new cast. The Crusaders can view this as a clean slate, one that they will look to capitalize by getting back to their winning ways. It's easy to forget that this was a program that won at least 10 games in five of six years starting in 2006.

Wellington will revolve around 6-foot-5 junior Trevor Nance in the post. The quarterback on the football team, Nance is an all-around great athlete that will actually do most of his damage away from the low blocks. He'll likely be the leading scorer on a team that will be desperate for points, a season after failing to top 50 points in 15 games. He'll have to work to keep his effort consistent on the defensive end to become an all-around player, but he's sure to have a breakout campaign this season.

But it won't be about just one player this season, Buchanan is trying to make sure about that. He wants the Crusaders to return their form, when they were winning, of playing as a team, sharing the ball, and playing outstanding defense. This could be the group that gets them back to their old ways. But playing in a division with Andale, Collegiate, and Clearwater - all 3 great teams - it's going to be tough.

Buchanan actually isn't worried about how the offense will develop. He has confidence in this new group of athletes, led by Nance, Austin Dunn, and Colin Reichenberger. What Buchanan likes about this group is that they are a versatile bunch, able to change in and out from the perimeter and post without much of a difference. Buchanan actually worried that "there might not be enough basketballs in the gym" for this team, which is a signal that the Crusaders should be much better off this season.

If the defense returns to form and Wellington can keep games in the 50's, right where their sweet spot should be, then I think this could be a surprise season. Buchanan is confident in the pieces he has to start making the push toward the top of the division standings. While it may not happen right away this season, Wellington could establish a good foundation with 8 or so wins that could serve as a springboard heading into the future. This is a team that has my interest entering the season.

MEET THE CAST

#20 | TREVOR NANCE | FORWARD | 6'5" | JUNIOR
Despite his size, he's not going to be a pounder down low that plays with his back to the basket. He's a tremendous athlete, one that will look to exploit that along the perimeter. He has nice touch to his shot and he has a chance for a breakout offensive season with his height and mid-range ability.
#24 | AUSTIN DUNN | GUARD | 6'2" | JUNIOR
Buchanan is extremely high on his potential, calling him an unbelievable athlete along the perimeter. The key will be to maintain a consistent effort on the court. When he's on, then there's no doubt that he'll give Wellington a good shot at winning with his athletic ability on both ends of the floor.
#22 | COLIN REICHENBERGER | GUARD | 6'1" | JUNIOR
Another football athlete that is a tremendous competitor, one that should win Wellington a lot of loose balls this season. Gives the Crusaders another athletic wing that can score, now it's just a question if he can do it consistently.
#5 | CONNOR PHELPS | GUARD | 6'1" | SOPHOMORE
Will be asked to play a large role as a sophomore, but he has the talent to contribute right away. He has the skills, but it will be a matter if he can handle the game-by-game grind of varsity. He'll be a good one and should provide valuable minutes.
#14 | PARKER DAUGHERTY | GUARD | 5'11" | SENIOR
A great defender on the perimeter, he'll be counted on for senior leadership and doing the little things on this team. He understands the team concept that Buchanan is preaching and should play a big role in it.
#15 | PAYTON BAKER | GUARD | 5'9" | SENIOR
He'll be another key senior in the rotation of a guard-heavy offense. He'll be able to contribute, but the question is how much and that depends on consistency.

FROM COACH BUCHANAN

"It's going to come down to our defense for us. I'm not too worried about the offense with the way we're capable of scoring. The biggest question mark going into it is just defensively, how are we going to be able to stop that individual stud that almost every team has. If we grasp the team concept of it, then we'll be alright. But if we don't, then we better be ready to out-score a lot of people."

THE PREDICTION

It's encouraging to listen to Buchanan speak about this team's pieces and it gives hope that the Crusaders will be a much better offensive team. That alone should make Wellington a threat to increase its win total from last season, despite losing so much. This is a new group, a new bunch that should bring some changes to the program. I still don't see Wellington making that huge turnaround into a winning season, but I certainly think they climb the ladder this season. Those three juniors will all be players to watch this season, but I just don't see enough to compete in an ultra-competitive division featuring Andale, Collegiate, and Clearwater. Sweeping Circle and Augusta and then hoping to spring an upset is probably the best Wellington can hope for. I'm thinking along the lines of a 7-8 win season for the Crusaders this year.