With no player over 6’2, the Marissa-Coulterville Meteors will look to their tough physical defense to improve on a 10-16 record from last season.
“I feel we’re a better team defensively at every position from last year, but once again, we’re going to be smaller than most teams we play,” said Marissa-Coulterville coach Dirk Miller. “However, coach Espenschied has done an excellent job getting these guys into the weight room, which has made us bigger, faster, and stronger. These guys are also great friends off the court, and consequently, the team concept has gone beyond the basketball court. This is probably the most unselfish group of basketball players I’ve had. I’ve had the privilege of coaching these seniors since they were freshmen, and I want to send them out on a good note.”
The Meteors return two starters, junior guard Joey Smith (5’11) and senior forward Joey Martin (6’2). Senior center Kevin Galle (6’2) returns after starting a couple of games last year.
“Joey Smith was our point guard last year and will continue fulfilling that duty this year.,” said Miller. “He was also our second leading scorer at nine points per game. Smith has gotten significantly stronger this year by working diligently in the weight room, and we look upon him to be our floor general this year. Joey Martin and Kevin Galle both rebound well and play consistent defense night in and night out.”
Miller will be looking for scoring help from senior guard Clint Runyon (6’1) and junior guard Logan Tabor (5’8) from the perimeter. Sophomore Austin Place (6’2) and senior Joel Klimas (6’0) will play major roles on the front court for Marissa-Coulterville.
“Runyon will also help us with his length on defense, and Tabor will be a boost with his speed and quickness, especially guarding the other team’s quickest player,” added Miller. “Place and Klimas will also see major playing time, if not start, and will be expected to score when given the opportunity from 15-feet and in, while rebounding on both ends of the floor.”
The Meteors look to be right in the mix in the tough Cahokia Conference Kaskaskia Division.
“Our conference is well balanced once again,” added Miller. “I’m sure we will be picked to finish fourth again, and rightly so, until we prove otherwise. Steeleville has the most players coming back, and I look for Lebanon and New Athens to battle them for the top spot. Lebanon always has phenomenal athletes, and it’s tough for the rest of the conference to handle.  New Athens returns Vince Kiefer, and their size will cause problems throughout the year. However, with Steeleville’s returning quickness and scoring, in addition to their tough schedule, they will be battle tested and ready by the end of the year.”
Marissa-Coulterville wants to be one of the better defensive teams in the area, finish the season over .5000, win meaningful games and win the conference.
The Meteors opened up the season Monday night against Sparta and will compete in the Okawville Turkey Tournament November 29 through December 3.

Marissa-Coulterville Meteors

11/22    H    Sparta
11/29-12/3    A    Okawville Tournament
12/7    A    Dupo
12/10    H    Steeleville
12/14    A    Lebanon
12/17    H    Gibault
12/21    A    Madison
12/27-30    A    Sesser-Valier Holiday Tourn.
1/7    H    New Athens
1/8    A    Valmeyer
1/10-15    A    Chester Invitational
1/21    H    Agape Christian
1/25    H    Lebanon
1/28    H    Dupo
2/4    H    Valmeyer
2/8    H    Okawville
2/11    A    New Athens
2/15    H    Freeburg