Somerset finished the 2006-7 season with a 14-15 season that is below several people’s expectations. Out of their 15 losses 10 were winnable games with lost leads, overtime losses, or just close games. Maybe with more maturity next season they can win the close game.

Somerset will return a large number of players with considerable playing time. Their seniors will be missed however. Scott Moody and Jordy Molen both had quite a bit of playing time and contributed greatly to the team, other seniors will also be missed by their teammates. Moody in my opinion made a great improvement in his play from the previous year. Moody’s guard play was needed this year along with Molen’s shooting and ability to drive to the basket.

I look for Somerset to be one of the favorites in the region next season, returning a veteran group. I feel they can go a long way in the All ‘A’ tournament, and also go to Rupp. The titles won’t be given to them however they will have to prepare and come ready to compete every game. If they win the region it won’t be done next March, it will be done this summer with the effort each player puts into their development and practice.

 

The guard position for 07-08 will be the least experienced for Somerset. John Cole will provide much needed experience and leadership assuming he plays and does not sit out due to football. Cole would give speed and ability to drive to the basket at will. He has improved throughout the year after his return from football season. If he can develop a consistent outside shot (I believe he just needs a little more follow through) he will be difficult to defend. Teams play off him somewhat now because of his ability to drive. The other guard position will have probably be Corey Price or John Coomer or which other Junior or Senior develops the most this summer. What Somerset will most need is a ball handler and passer from the guard position, not necessarily a shooter, but that would be a plus.

Price has all the ability to shoot and score inside, what he needs to develop is strength, if he could gain 20 pounds over the summer he would be very hard to stop inside, it would also help on the double teams and rebounding which he already contributes quite a bit.

This season Adam Wallen has probably been the most consistent three point shooter and has also done fairly well rebounding. If other Somerset players want to develop a consistent shot just pattern your shot after his. Most teams have played him tight on the outside , if he can develop a fake and drive for a 10-15 foot jump shot he will have a lot more shots available to him.

Tyler Bourne has made a big improvement over last year and has helped his team in several areas. His and ability to score inside has allowed more open outside shots for his team. Next year he should be the best post player in the region. He along with Price needs and additional 20 pounds of weight, which will help him hold position down low and hopefully improve his rebounding.

C.J. Megargel should also provide several minutes next year. I would like to see him come into the season ready to start in the post position and move Bourne to a 4 position for the majority of the time. He already provides good rebounding and can shoot the turnaround post shot but needs to be more consistent. In order to play several minutes he will have to move his feet and cut down on the fouls.

There are several more players that will have to play significant minutes especially in the guard position; it just depends on their development throughout the summer. John Coomer should be one of those, he can play nearly any position but the most needed position should be guard, so his ball handling and passing skills will be what he will need to work on most. Chris Fitzpatrick has great potential for playing time if his ball handling skill improves this summer. Several other juniors and seniors can be important to the team cause, depending on improvements made beginning now, and throughout the summer. In summary each player needs to work on and develop the areas that they need to improve, your coach should be able to guide you with areas to work on. Passing is one thing I think the whole team needs to develop in transition and half court, more movement needs to happen in the half court and make the passes quickly to open areas. Somerset’s zone is effective but I believe about 2 minutes of man-to-man defense each quarter would keep players focused on defense and create momentum at times, along with confusing the other team.

I want to congratulate each Somerset player for their work during the 06-07 season and hope each one comes in prepared for the 07-08 season, which begins now!

Somerset's M.O. since Thacker has been there is 20 win plus seasons about 50% of the time and .500 seasons the other 50% of the time. Maybe next year its Somerset's turn to win 20.