Junior guard Max Booher returns for the Cougars after leading the 2021-22 squad in scoring at 14.9 points a game.
Sam Findley | For the Daily Journal
Two of Greenwood Christian’s potential starters stand 6-foot-3, leaving the issue of which is the team’s tallest up for debate.
In terms of varsity experience, it’s a runaway.
Senior wing Blake Shewmaker, he of the 12.2-point scoring average and team-high 5.3 rebounds a year ago, begins his third year as part of the starting lineup on Nov. 23 when the Cougars open the season at Park Heritage.
Four starters are back for coach Jackson Williams, whose inaugural campaign produced a 17-10 record and a berth in a Class A sectional final at Indianapolis Lutheran.
“I’m really excited about the season, and look forward to playing in the sectional again,” said Shewmaker, referring to last season’s 48-41 loss to the host Saints. “We have four returning starters, and the team chemistry is really good.
“We’ve all been playing basketball together at least since middle school. That really helps.”
Greenwood Christian added serious muscle to its regular-season schedule, with the Cougars set to face a minimum of four Class 3A teams and six 2A squads.
Factor in a holiday tournament at Monrovia on Dec. 27-28 and the annual Johnson County tournament in January, and those numbers are bound to spike.
Williams wouldn’t have done it if he didn’t feel this squad could handle it.
His confidence is rooted in Shewmaker, junior guard Max Booher (14.9 ppg) and 5-11 senior point guard Ian Reed (6.2 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 2.7 apg) again meshing their talents to form GCA’s dependable nucleus. Reed’s brother Noah is also back after averaging 4.8 points and 3.3 boards as a freshman guard.
Parker Satre (2.4 ppg, 1.8 rpg), a 6-3 senior, could find himself as the fifth starter after being utilized mostly as a backup last season. Others who’ll play a factor in how the Cougars fare are juniors Jordan Taulman (2.5 ppg, 2.3 rpg) and Reid Smith, and a pair of sophomore guards in Evan McIntyre and Ben Comerford.
Versatility at both ends of the floor will be crucial for a group that scored at a 55.4-point clip and allowed 49.9 per game last season.
“Everyone is going to play at least two positions, and maybe three. It depends on what lineup we have out there,” Williams said. “Blake is the only player who will play 1 through 5 for us. We’re going to have to depend on Blake’s leadership and experience. He’s going to have to do a lot for us this year.
“We’re going to have to play a different style of offense than last year. With all our guards, the plus is that we’re returning a lot of guys who shot the ball well from behind the 3-point line.”
Prior to the Monrovia tournament, five of the Cougars first six games are on the road, the exception being the Dec. 8 game against Covenant Christian.
SCOUTING THE COUGARS
Coach: Jackson Williams
Last season: 17-10, lost to Indianapolis Lutheran in championship game of Class A sectional
Key returnees: Ian Reed, Parker Satre and Blake Shewmaker, seniors; Max Booher and Jordan Taulman, juniors; Noah Reed, sophomore
Top newcomers: Reid Smith, junior; Ben Comerford and Evan McIntire, sophomores
Outlook: Not counting the Monrovia tournament in late December and the Johnson County tourney in January, the Cougars are already lined up to face six Class 2A teams and four 3A schools during the regular season. The beefed-up schedule is GCA’s attempt to ready itself for postseason play. Led by three-year starter Shewmaker, the Cougars bring back plenty of experience as Booher, the Reed brothers and Satre all played a part in last season’s 17-10 finish.
“We hope to push the pace this season, and having that versatility with this group is going to be nice, also,” Williams said. “I’ve got great kids who come from great families. They’re good to work with because they’re so easygoing.”
