Wheeler Bearcats

Last season: 21-4 (7-0 GSSC), lost in regional semifinal to North Judson.

Inside the Bearcats

Leading returning scorer: Andrew Rudakas, 22.5 ppg.

Leading returning rebounder: Rudakas, 8.9 rpg.

Go-to player: Andrew Rudakas, Sr., F. The three-year starter can dominate inside on a lot of nights but has continued to develop the range of his game where he is now both a perimeter shooting threat and someone who can take it to the basket from the wing. "The big thing he worked on was being able to attack guys off the dribble," coach Mike Jones said. "His inside-outside game has improved."

He's got next: Aleksa Kojcinovic, Jr., C. The burly 6-foot-7 exchange student from Montenegro is a sight for sore eyes (and body) for Rudakas, as opponents will now have somebody else to defend inside. "He's a good skilled player for that size," Jones said. "He's real good in the low post and he can also step out and shoot on the perimeter. He has a good basketball IQ. Right now, we're trying to get him acclimated to the other guys on the floor."

Circled on the calendar: Jan. 6, at Bishop Noll. The burgeoning rivalry will continue to pick up steam with both teams likely to be very good. They met three times last year, with Wheeler winning the first time, Noll the second time (GSSC tournament) and Wheeler the third time (sectional).

The Times' breakdown

With the addition of Kojcinovic, Wheeler could be better than the team that won 21 games and a sectional title last season. "It gives us some advantages in certain areas we didn't have," Jones said. Donnie Ketchum and the versatile Najee Bailey showed they can be productive on offense, giving the Bearcats scoring at every position. "The biggest thing is we have to share the basketball. It has to be a team effort," Jones said. "If we can execute and take away the things other teams want to do, we've got a chance to put ourselves in position to be right there again."

-- Jim Peters

Why do you love basketball?

"Basketball teaches you about life. Life is a series of challenges, and to succeed in life (means) having the strength to not give up and to give your best effort no matter the situation. Basketball is about those same challenges and being able to work with others to achieve success."

-- coach Mike Jones

Roster

Probable starters

Name Ht. Yr. Pos.

Donnie Ketchum 6-0 Sr. G

Andrew Rudakas 6-5 Sr. F

Petar Todorovic 6-5 Sr. G

Aleksa Kojcinovic 6-7 Jr. C

Derek Kappas 6-0 Sr. G

In reserve

Name Ht. Yr. Pos.

Eric Wise 5-11 Sr. G

Matt Hurst 6-2 Jr. G

Nick Naspinski 6-2 So. F

Najee Bailey 6-3 Jr. F

Ryan Hensen 6-6 So. C

Head coach: Mike Jones, 89-27 in sixth year at Wheeler and overall.

Assistant coaches: Geoff Dan, Steve Catherman, Nick Smith.