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Lumen set to begin new season with new coach and new lineup

 

By Mike Moore

Staff Writer

 

Jackson – A 19-3 record was the final mark the 2014-15 Lumen Christi basketball team left when last year’s winter season came to a close.

 

And with the end of the year came the graduation of the starting five and the resignation of the head coach.

 

On Tuesday night in Ann Arbor, the Titans begin the next chapter in program history, albeit with a whole new cast of characters and storylines.

 

“I think we have a lot of pieces that can work together,” first-year coach Pat Neville said. Lumen begins the year Tuesday night at Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard. “We plan on contributions from every single kid on the roster.”

 

A plan it may be, but really, it’s a requirement for the Titans, who are replacing Devin Edwards, Khari Willis and the rest of the starting lineup, not to mention some key bench players.

 

But there’s still plenty of talent to fall back on.

 

Returning varsity vets Liam Daly, Nolan Crowley and Zalen Moore “are guys that have really showed some leadership,” as Neville put it. “And with John (Brys) back in the middle, we’re going to lean on him as well.”

 

Neville said point play will be essential to get the offense in motion, and Chris Wallace and Luke Girodat will share that responsibility.

 

Asked about the team’s strengths early on, Neville said, “we’re big and athletic,” adding how he expects to be a team that rebounds very well on both ends of the floor.

 

“The biggest area of concern right now is the perimeter play,” Neville added. “We want to run, but are we going to be smart while running the fast break? We can’t just run to run. If we get out of control at all, that could be an issue.”

 

The Titans were a team last year, thanks to guys like Edwards and Willis, who could be deadly from the outside.

 

And, when needed, could do inside as well.

 

Neville said time will tell whether or not this year’s group will threat from beyond the arc.

 

“If John gets off to a good start, he’s going to require attention inside, and we’re going to see a lot of zone defense,” he explained. “Then it’s on us to prove we can shoot from the outside.”

 

There’s an understanding of required patience for the Titans, especially early on, with so many guys adjusting to new roles.

 

But Neville stressed the expectations a school and program like Lumen’s maintains on a year-to-year basis.

 

A conference title? Contending for a district title, and beyond?

 

“Yeah, you always hope for those types of things,” Neville said. “You want, come February and March to have put yourself in a position for those goals to be in place. And that’s what this team is capable of. But right now the focus is on improvement and getting to that stage.”

 

Mike Moore is a play-by-play commentator and Sports Writer for JTV Sports. You can reach him at mjm12@albion.edu. He’s also the author of ‘Love, Defined; A Dedication to the Love, Sacrifice, and Magic of Motherhood.’

Love, Defined is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Tate Publishing or by contacting Mike directly.

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