It’s a whole new ballgame for the Republic Tigers on the hardwood this year. New coach Trevyor Fisher steps into the program to replace Gary Stanfield. Fisher says the preseason has meant changes for both him and his players.
“It’s been a little bit of an adjustment with the new coaching staff, figuring out things that are different from last year to this year,” Fisher says. “But the guys are trying to learn the best they possibly can, and for the most part, working extremely hard.”
In addition to getting players accustomed to his own style, Fisher’s says he’s also figuring things out as a head coach for the first time.
“It definitely has been different. Any time you do something for the first time, you really don’t know what to expect,” he says. “But I think the transition has been good. Of course you learn things as you go, and I’m sure next year we’ll do things different. But I’m definitely enjoying what I’m doing and wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
The Tigers graduated only two seniors, Payton Looney and leading scorer Nick Yocum, from last season’s 21-6 squad. They’ll have six seniors on a roster stacked with size.
“Anytime you have the luxury of having a 6’8″, a 6’7″, and a 6’5″ kid, and on top of that having a couple of 6’3″ kids, you just don’t see that very often,” says Fisher. “And not only do we have the height, but they’re also good players.
Big men Marcus Miller and Grant Hancock will see a lot of action in the paint for Republic, and will contribute different playing styles to the Tigers.
“(Miller) has done nothing but get better this summer,” says Fisher. “He’s worked on that lateral quickness, tried to get his body in shape a little more, and worked on his skills around the basket.
“Grant Hancock does all the little things,” Fisher says. “The dirty work with rebounding and setting screens and being a tough physical presence down low.”
Senior Derric Mertes and junior Cody Geiger will also see playing time on the inside for Republic. Mertes, at 6’8″, will work almost exclusively inside. Geiger has the ability to hit an open jumper from further out.
“He just has a knack for the ball,” Fisher says of Geiger. “He can finish with both his left and right hand around the basket.”
Three seniors will anchor the backcourt for the Tigers: Jake Fletcher, Pierce Pittman and Ty Abney. Fisher says they’re “three guys who’ve been through the battles, and each one of those guys brings something a little different to the table.
“Jake has improved his outside shot, but knows how to drive the ball and is tough, defensive-minded. Then you’ve got Ty, who’s very athletic, can get up and down the floor. Then Pierce, who can really shoot the ball and also gets after it on the defensive end.”
Juniors Dylan Bekemeier and sharpshooter Canyon Smith will see significant minutes in the backcourt for the Tigers as well. But none of those guards will be a replacement for Yocum, and Fisher doesn’t expect that.
“(Yocum) had the ability to get his own shot when things weren’t going well. I’m not sure we have someone who can do that right now,” Fisher says. “I think we have guys who potentially could be like that, but right now, we’ve got to work together as a team and get our teammates open.
“I think we’re in good shape, both on the perimeter and inside, and we have depth in both areas.”
Look for the Tigers to spend most of their time in a man-to-man defense, although Fisher says he may switch to zone when he goes to a bigger lineup. He’ll also throw in an occasional full-court press.
“I think we have the flexibility to play different ways. It just depends on what combination we have out on the floor. Our main goal is not to allow teams to get the ball to the paint. We want teams to beat us from the outside.
“The biggest thing is, if we’re going up and down the floor fast, or if we’re controlling the tempo, we’ve just got to worry about not turning the ball over. We have skilled players, and kids who can make shots, but we’ve just got to limit those turnovers and we have a chance to be successful.”
Beyond the X’s and O’s of offense and defense, Fisher says much of his preseason focus has been building a hard-nosed attitude in his team.
“It’s all about defense, rebounding and being tough. We have a bunch of great guys off the floor, but we’ve got to have a more physical, tough-minded attitude once we step on the court,” Fisher says. “We’re building on it. It doesn’t happen overnight.”
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