After a 19-win season that included a trip to the district tournament, the Northmor boys’ basketball team will be looking for an even-longer postseason run under eighth-year coach Zach Ruth.

In Ruth’s favor: Four skilled senior lettermen who all played well enough last year to earn postseason honors. Demetrius “Meechie” Johnson tallied 11.5 points, four assists and three skills in being named a first-team all-MOAC player. Tyler Kegley added 10 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks as a second-team player in the league, while Brock Pletcher earned honorable mention behind 12 points a game. Also, Kyle Kegley added nine points on his way to getting honorable mention recognition from District 11.

With the two Kegleys, the Knights also possess a lot of height, as Kyle is 6’8” and Tyler is 6’7”.

Ruth will have to make up for the graduation of three players from last year’s team. Zach Parrott averaged four points per game and was the team’s top defensive player. Also, Alijah Keen picked up eight points and six boards per contest and Nate Hall served as the back-up point guard.

Returning will be senior Lane Bachelder, a senior who played varsity until suffering a broken foot halfway through the season. Also seeing time will be sophomore Blake Miller.

“We went to go back-to-back league titles and to win the first KMAC title,” said Ruth of his team’s goals. “Our ultimate goal is to make a deep run in the postseason — we want to play at the Schott.”

To prepare for the postseason, Ruth is hoping for a strong season in league play.

“Highland will be our biggest challenge, followed by Mount Gilead and Danville,” he said. “The other teams have some nice players and will be competitors.”

Northmor’s boys’ basketball will try to build on last year’s success in the 2017-18 season.
http://www.morrowcountysentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2017/11/web1_northbbb.jpgNorthmor’s boys’ basketball will try to build on last year’s success in the 2017-18 season. Rob Hamilton | Morrow County Sentinel

By Rob Hamilton

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Rob Hamilton can be reached at 419-946-3010, ext. 1807. Connect with him on Twitter at @SportsMCS