PREP PREVIEW: Patriots looking ahead to improved campaign this season

By Andy Amey

TERRE HAUTE — Selective amnesia.

That’s part of the process this season as Terre Haute North expects to rebound from an 8-15 campaign a year ago.

“We’re not talking about last year,” coach Todd Woelfle explained recently. “We’re just going to worry about getting better on a daily basis.”

Early indications, none of which were dispelled by Friday’s two quarters of jamboree play, are that the Patriots could have what it takes to make last year’s disappointments a distant memory.

Four starters return, plus an additional starter from the 2007-2008 season. There’s size many coaches in the state would love to have, and there appears to be depth as well.

“We think all the pieces are in place for us to be successful,” Woelfle said. “We had a good summer and preseason, and the coaching staff was amazed by the first week of practice — there’s been effort, competitive spirit and attention to detail that’s carried on from practice to practice.”

The first two of those pieces, probably the ones that concern Patriot opponents the most, are the big guys — 6-foot-6 senior Thomas Anderson, ready to be a starter for the fourth straight year, and 6-8 junior Justin Gant, another in the limited number of North players who have started since their freshman campaigns.

Anderson, a double-figure scorer the past two years, looks ready for his best season and Gant, who averaged 15 points and eight rebounds per game last year, has added some obvious muscle to his otherwise impressive skill set.

Leading scorer Zach Harrison graduated, but 6-2 senior Andrew Gauer is a returning starter, more or less in the position where 6-2 senior Chris O’Leary started two years ago before missing last basketball season with injuries. Another player injured virtually all of last year, 6-2 junior Logan Shipley, is also very much in the picture as a potential starter, giving North three strong players for two wing positions.

That leaves the hot seat to 5-10 junior point guard Chase Jones, who played some as a freshman and started last year. With stars at so many other spots, he became something of a scapegoat when things didn’t go well, but his confidence and leadership ability are on the rise. Learning to play that position in the Metropolitan Interscholastic Conference is tough, but the payoff may be worth it.

“Chase brings a lot to the table,” Woelfle said, “and we have some depth at the guard position.”

Other potential guards are 5-10 senior Jordan Marshall and 5-10 juniors Tommie Bolden and Daniel Gabbard, although Gabbard will miss some time because of surgery on an injured thumb.

But that’s not all the depth.

On the wings are 6-1 sophomore Ross Sponsler, who had good moments as a shooter last year; 6-4 junior Jake Newton, who had an impressive jamboree showing; and 6-2 junior move-in Kalen Alexander. Around the basket are 6-6 sophomore Matt O’Leary and 6-5 freshman Calvin Blank.

The Patriots open tonight at Evansville Central, with their first home game Dec. 4 against Northview.

“We’re excited about the season,” Woelfle said. So are a lot of other people on the north side of town.

Terre Haute North roster

Player Ht. Yr.

Thomas Anderson 6-6 Sr.

Andrew Gauer 6-2 Sr.

Jordan Marshall 5-10 Sr.

Chris O’Leary 6-2 Sr.

Kalen Alexander 6-2 Jr.

Tommy Bolden 5-10 Jr.

Daniel Gabbard 5-10 Jr.

Justin Gant 6-8 Jr.

Chase Jones 5-10 Jr.

Jake Newton 6-4 Jr.

Logan Shipley 6-2 Jr.

Matt O’Leary 6-6 So.

Ross Sponsler 6-1 So.

Calvin Blank 6-5 Fr.

North schedule

Today — At Evansville Central, 6:30 p.m.

Dec. 4 — Northview, 6 p.m.

Dec. 5 — At Vincennes Lincoln, 6 p.m.

Dec. 11 — At Ben Davis (MIC), 6 p.m.

Dec. 12 — At Bloomington South, 6 p.m.

Dec. 18 — Mooresville, 6 p.m.

Dec. 19 — Evansville Harrison, 5:30 p.m.

Dec. 26 — Pizza Hut Wabash Valley Classic, TBA

Dec. 28-30 — Pizza Hut Wabash Valley Classic, TBA

Jan. 2 — Evansville North, 6 p.m.

Jan. 9 — At Turkey Run, 6 p.m.

Jan. 15 — At West Vigo, 6 p.m.

Jan. 22 — Warren Central (MIC), 6 p.m.

Jan. 29 — Terre Haute South (MIC) in Hulman Center, 8 p.m.

Feb. 5 — At Indianapolis North Central (MIC), 6 p.m.

Feb. 6 — Evansville Reitz, 6 p.m.

Feb. 13 — Center Grove (MIC), noon

Feb. 19 — At Carmel (MIC), 6 p.m.

Feb. 20 — Indianapolis Cathedral, 6 p.m.

Feb. 26 — At Lawrence North (MIC), 6 p.m.

MIC — denotes Metropolitan Interscholastic Conference game