Veteran Kendall squad eyes rebound season

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 19 November 2018 at 9:04 am

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Kendall’s veteran laden team includes, in front, Nate Warters, John Rath, Mickey Gardner and Hunter Menze. In back are Mason Kuhn, Tyler Wright-Dunkle, Dale Steffen and Derek Edick.

A year ago with no seniors on the team Kendall’s underclassmen boys varsity basketball squad struggled through a 3-19 building season.

Now, with all eight of the players from that team back and with a valuable year of experience under their belts, the Eagles are looking for a big rebound season.

The senior quartet of Nate Warters, John Rath, Mickey Gardner and Hunter Menze head the Eagles squad which also includes juniors Dale Steffen, Mason Kuhn and Tyler Wright-Dunkle and sophomore Derek Edick.

Warters led the Eagles in scoring last season with 372 points (16.9 average) and also had 107 rebounds while Rath had 240 points (10.9 ave.), 112 rebounds and 108 assists), Menze 200 points (9.1 ave.) and 141 rebounds and Gardner 140 points (6.7 ave.) and 134 rebounds.

“We definitely hit the ground running with all that experience back,” said Coach Matt Zimmer. “With the veteran leadership and experience we have we’re definitely optimistic. We certainly have to put the work in but the kids are excited and we’re hoping to be a big presence in the league.”

The Eagles will host Pavilion in the non league opener on November 27 and then begin Genesee Region League competition at Notre Dame on December 5.

Schedule
November: 27 – Pavilion, 7 p.m.
December: 5 – at Notre Dame, 7 p.m.; 7 – Lyndonville, 7 p.m.; 11 – at Barker, 6:30 p.m.; 13 – at Elba, 7 p.m.; 19 – Wheatland-Chili, 7 .m.; 28 – vs. Holley at Holley Tournament, 7 p.m.; 29 – at Holley Tournament
January: 4 – at Oakfield-Alabama, 7 p.m.; 8 – Byron-Bergen, 7 p.m.; 10 – at Holley, 7 p.m.; 12 – Rochester Academy Charter, 6 p.m.; 16 – at Pembroke, 7 p.m.; 24 – at Alexander, 7 p.m.; 28 – Attica, 7 p.m.; 30 – Notre Dame, 7 p.m.
February: 1 – at Wheatland-Chili, 7 p.m.; 5 – Elba, 7 p.m.; 8 – at Pavilion, 7:30 p.m.; 11 – at Lyndonville, 7 p.m.