Posted: Dec. 2, 2009

Nicolet — In dominating the North Shore Conference in the late 1990s and early part of this current decade, the Paul Hepp-coached Nicolet boys basketball teams prided themselves on suffocating defense and balanced scoring.

But after foundering in recent years, including a disappointing 9-13 record last winter, the Knights appear to have re-invented the winning formula, hammering Kenosha Tremper, 63-45, and overpowering Marquette, 62-43, in their portion of the NY2LA Classic last weekend.

"Yes, we're encouraged coming off a pair of nice wins like these," Hepp said. "It's a good start and it's helped along by our experience. It's something you can see. We have a determination that we didn't have last season."

And the Knights are indeed experienced, with 10 seniors on the roster. They include returning team leaders like guards 6-3 Myles Henry, 6-0 Jarel James, 6-2 Clem Robinson and 6-2 Tre Kinlow. The Knights will be smallish this winter, but 6-6 junior Christian Griggs-Williams gives them someone to look to on the inside.

Other seniors include 5-8 Jeff McClain, 5-10 Brandon Zall, 6-1 Cameron Smith, 5-10 Rafel Ahrens-Dennist, 6-1 Rashad Cummings and 6-3 Terrence Bradley.

"All but two of the kids on varsity have serious experience," Hepp said. "I think the area we're really going to focus on as coaches is team defense. We were somewhat sieve-like last winter, especially against the higher level teams (like Bay and Germantown). It had to be a focus point.

"We have a lot of work to do, but we're moving in the right direction."

That much is certain. The Knights blew open a 33-32 halftime advantage against Marquette on Saturday night with a 15-2 third quarter and never looked back. Henry had 15, Kinlow 14, Robinson 13 and Griggs-Williams 12.

It was a bit easier against Tremper on Friday, as the Knights exploded for a 24-8 first quarter advantage and then coasted from there.

Henry had 13, and James and Robinson 11 apiece.

The Knights will now be off until their North Shore opener on Dec. 11 against defending NSC champ Whitefish Bay.

 

- Steven L. Tietz