Eagles excited to get started

Last season, Veritas Christian's boys basketball team took second in the KCAA state tournament and the girls were fifth.

Now both programs hope to make the jump to a state title. Here is a look at the Eagles' basketball teams for the upcoming season:

Boys basketball

Veritas Christian's boys basketball team lost several seniors that accounted for a majority of the scoring and rebounding last year.

But the Eagles are confident there won't be any drop-off with a strong list of returners: seniors Michael Rask, Peyton Donohoe and Weston Flory, and sophomore Trey Huslig.

Plus, there's hope that the Eagles will receive strong seasons from senior Calvin Koch, sophomore Quinton Donohoe and sophomore Tucker Flory.

"For the first time in three years, we will have flexibility with our line-ups," third-year coach Carl Huslig said. "We can go small with four guards or we can go big with three forwards. We will also be the most athletic team and best shooting team, shooters at all 5 positions, that we have coached."

The Eagles posted an 18-15 record last year and Huslig said the team responded with an "excellent summer session" during the offseason. They will have a tough schedule, but they are confident they will be playing their best basketball by the end of the year.

"Early in the season, we will rely upon on our back-court and their experience," Huslig said. "However, it would not surprise me if at some point the Flory brothers become our go-to guys. We also have four seniors who have bought into our program and their leadership will be invaluable."

The Eagles will face Olathe Heritage on Friday at the East Lawrence Recreation Center.

Girls basketball

With eight seniors, Veritas Christian's girls basketball team will have plenty of talent, leadership and experience on the floor this year.

The Eagles, which posted a 12-12 record last year on their way to a fifth place finish in the KCAA, will be led by senior guard Tori Huslig and junior forward Chloe Holland. Huslig was dominant last year, averaging 20.3 points, 8.5 rebounds and four steals per game.

Along with the seniors, 14th-year coach Kevin Shelton said freshman guard/forward Maria Stieben could make a strong impact this year.

"We will rely upon Tori Huslig and Chloe Holland's experience and scoring abilities," Shelton said.

The Eagles start the season against Olathe Heritage on Friday at the East Lawrence Recreation Center.

Source: www.bing.com