Steeleville coach Gerald Mumbower, in his third year, has a complete rebuilding project following a 21-10 season in which the Warriors advanced to the regional finals and won the Cahokia Conference Kaskaskia Division.
Steeleville has no starters back from that team and just two players with any varsity experience in senior Jacob Combs (5’11) and junior Darin Winkelman (6’5).
“This team has very limited varsity experience,” said Mumbower. “I think we have around three points a game coming back from last season. We do have good size and should be able to rebound the ball.”
Steeleville has seven players battling for varsity time including Combs, Winkelman, senior Jeff Wilson (6’5), juniors Dylan Wesbecher (6’1) and Reid Wilson (6’3) and sophomores Steven Uchtman (6’1) and Kyle Smith (5’9). However, three players will miss the first four games for Steeleville after breaking team rules.
“For us to be successful, we have to take care of the ball, limit turnovers and rebound,” said Mumbower. “If we can do that, we will be competitive.”
Steeleville will be looking to defend its conference championship this season.
“Lebanon is probably the favorite and they have good size throughout their lineup,” added Mumbower. “Marissa-Coulterville and New Athens will battle for the top three. Valmeyer has a lot of kids back and then Dupo is still continuing to improve. We have a lot of youth but I think we can get better as the season progresses.”
Steeleville opens the season in Trico Tournament Monday, November 28 against Egyptian.
“We might start slow because of the inexperience,” said Mumbower. We also have to play in three really tough tournaments (Trico, Sparta and Pinckneyville). We just have to concentrate on getting better and show improvement throughout the season.”