Shelby has gained a lot of experience over the past year - and not just on the court. Tigers’ coach Rick Zoulek is optimistic that several players’ success on the gridiron, as well as another year of varsity basketball last season, will help the team bounce back from a 3-20 campaign.
“We really expect to compete in every game this year,” Zoulek said. “We have several returning players and expect our newcomers to really contribute in a positive way.”
Early practices, Zoulek said, included only four players because so many of the Tigers were on the district championship football team. However, he believes the hard work put into that run will benefit them on the court as well.
Shelby features a veteran core of seniors, most of whom were among those football players: Eli Kelley, Trevor Weiss, Evan Waller and DayDay Garcia. Leighton Belasco had a very promising freshman year last season and is in line for a big sophomore campaign.
The Tigers bring in some new faces to look for as well, including senior Isaac Garcia. Chase Oakes, Andrew Arquette and Tristan Johnson should contribute from the junior class.
Zoulek said the team’s defense and rebounding should be much improved this season, which could help them on the other end of the court too.
“Our increased confidence on offense and our intensity will be counted on as well,” Zoulek said. “We once again hope to peak at tournament time.”
The West Michigan Conference Rivers race could be interesting as four of the league’s seven teams (Hart, North Muskegon, Ravenna and Mason County Central) return an all-conference performer and “Most teams in our division are returning their best player,” Zoulek said. Zoulek also expects improvement from Hesperia and Holton.
The schedule is friendly to the Tigers early, as they get the first six games at home. Non-conference tilts against several area squads will keep Shelby sharp in between league games, including a late-season game against county foe Pentwater.
