Venango Catholic Vikings
Head coach: Kaity Wenner
2019-20 Record: 0-21
Playoffs: No playoffs
Top returning players: Andrew Burda (Sr., PG, 17.2 ppg, 913 career points), Reza Reese (Sr., G, 5.8 ppg), Colin Deeter (Sr., G, 2.9 ppg), Chase Anderson (Sr., G, 3.3 ppg), Ben Campbell (Jr., F, 22 games, 8 points)
Top players lost: Brady Cicatella (5.2 ppg; Brady was primarily our height on last year’s team, so replacing him underneath will present some challenges)
Key newcomers: Jake Liederback (Jr., Jake has a good sense of the game and will add a lot to our defense and offense), Colin Liederbach (Fr, Much like his older brother, Colin has a sense for the court. Our other ninth graders have played together for quite a few years with success, so adding them and Colin to the mix will help us greatly)
Keys to the season: We have to be smarter on offense. Our shot selection needs to be better. I truly feel with Burda, Reese, and The Liederbach boys, we have an opportunity to put up a lot of points. It’s going to start with the team knowing what shots to take. We also need to perfect a defense. Our numbers are a little bigger this year, so we have a better chance of really accomplishing and sticking with a set defense.
Things your team was doing during the COVID-19 pause of winter sports: We encourage the basketball teams to workout with one another through zoom or amongst themselves. Since we are on hold until January 4th, nothing is being led by the coaches, but The boys are ready to play, so I have full faith that when we get the opportunity, they’ll be ready. Keys to returning is to make sure we are creating and enforcing a safe environment for the athletes and coaches. That is the priority. This season, when it happens, is about the kids who have worked hard to get where they are.
