Mustang cagers aim for rebound season

Photo by Mike Wertman – Providing plenty of experience for the Medina boys basketball squad this season is this large group of returnees. In front, from left, are Adam Hoot, Jason Hellwig an Dan Brown. In back are Ben McPherson, Josh Cuadrado, Drake Grabowski, Forest Harper, Kevin Arnold and Larry Bruning.

With nine veterans, including four starters, back to anchor the lineup, Medina is looking to get back into Niagara-Orleans League title contention after three straight seasons at or near the league basement.

The quartet of seniors Dan Brown, Ben McPherson, Adam Hoot and junior Jason Hellwig head that veteran contingent which also includes seniors Drake Grabowski, Larry Bruning, Kevin Arnold, Forest Harper, and Josh Cuadrado.

Brown averaged 11.9 points and 9.2 rebounds per game last year and Hellwig 8.6 points.

The Mustangs roster also includes juniors Devonte Howard, Aaron Feltz, Brennan Zinkievich and David Garrow along with sophomore Dylan Lewis.

“We’re concentrating on playing team basketball,” said Coach Tom Forrestel whose Mustangs struggled through a 3-11 N-O campaign last season. “We’re looking to do it as a group and rely on our experience. We want our competitive level to be extremely high and maintain a positive attitude.”

Medina is scheduled to host Oakfield-Alabama in the non league opener on Dec. 4 and then visit Burgard Dec. 6 before opening N-O competition at defending champion CSAT on Dec. 13.

Medina’s Schedule

Dec. 4 – Oakfield-Alabama, 6:30 p.m.
Dec. 6 – at Burgard, 6:30 p.m.
Dec. 13 – at CSAT, 6:30 p.m.
Dec. 17 – at Newfane, 6:30 p.m.
Dec. 20 – at Roy-Hart, 6:30 p.m.
Dec. 27 and 28 – at Starpoint Tournament
Jan. 7 – at Albion, 7 p.m.
Jan. 10 – Barker, 6:30 p.m.
Jan. 14 – Wilson, 6:30 p.m.
Jan. 17 – Akron, 6:30 p.m.
Jan. 21 – CSAT, 6:30 p.m.
Jan. 24 – Roy-Hart, 6:30 p.m.
Jan. 28 – Newfane, 6:30 p.m.
Jan. 31 – Albion, 6:30 p.m.
Feb. 4 – at Barker, 6:30 p.m.
Feb. 11 – at Wilson, 6:30 p.m.
Feb. 13 – at Akron, 6:30 p.m.