Basketball: looking back and looking ahead
After 37 games – the most played in one season in program history – Appalachian State’s basketball season is finally over.
Coach Buzz Peterson, whose team lost to Pacific last night in the semifinals of the CollegeInsider.com Tournament, said that the three games in the CIT were worth the season’s extension.
“The extra practice time was huge,” Peterson said. “We worked on a lot of things in practice… most teams in our league have been done for almost three weeks.
“To play against a team like Pacific is something our guys will remember, how teams defended. I’m sure that Donald (Sims) will remember how people got physical with him out there.”
Peterson said that he will remember his team’s seniors – Ryann Abraham, Kellen Brand, Josh Hunter, A.J. Highsmith and Tyler Webb – for helping a once-struggling team turn the corner and finish with 24 wins.
“Those guys have been through a lot,” Peterson said. “They waited patiently for a coach to come in, not knowing what was going to be in front of them, and they have answered to everything I’ve asked them to do. There have been some ups and downs, just like any family, but I’m very proud of all them.”
Three starters – Donald Sims, Jeremi Booth and Ike Butts – will return as senior next season along with top reserves Nathan Healy, Andre Williamson and Marcus Wright. Joining the mix will be at least four recruits including junior-college transfer Petey Hausley and three freshmen guards, as well as Anthony Breeze and Omar Carter, both of whom sat out this past season after transferring.
Sims, a top-notch scorer, could get more time at shooting guard if a freshman emerges as a game-ready point guard, and Peterson likes the potential of next season’s frontcourt. Breeze is a 6-5 forward who transferred form Coastal Carolina and Carter a 6-5 forward from Charleston Southern.
“Anthony is somebody that brings us explosive athleticism inside, and Omar brings us that 3 guard that’s 6-4 or 6-5 and thick (220 pounds),” Peterson said.
“Next year, with Ike and Andre, and I’ve always been big on Healy, we just have to get him stronger and Ike more mobile… and we had Breeze sitting out and Pete Hausley coming in. I like that front line.”