B-T boys return key starters, looking for improvement

The Blair-Taylor boys basketball team is looking to make a run with three starters returning from last year’s team.

“Our guys are excited to get back on the court and get to playing some basketball,” coach Randy Storlie said. “We really made great strides last year later in the season as we gained more experience and confidence.”

Among the returning starters is guard Ethan Kniseley, a junior who has played on varsity since his freshman season. Storlie highlighted the second-team all-conference pick as a player the team will count on more. Kniseley scored 13 points per game as B-T went 13-11 a season ago.

Other returning starters include senior Michael Waldera and junior Tavian Shramek. Waldera averaged 6.8 points and Shramek, 5.3 per game last year. 

 “We will depend on all of our guys to step up and play, but especially our returning starters,” Storlie said.

Easton Arneson, Austin Kokke and Mac Christenson are other seniors set to return to B-T this year. 

The team could also look to sophomore CJ Dummer, who saw considerable action as a freshman, for a boost. Other returning juniors include Ryan Oldendorf, Hunter Wagner, Tavian Shramek, Jacob Olson and Austin Thompson. 

The Wildcats finished last season strong, winning three of its last four with the only loss coming to eventual state tournament qualifier Whitehall. 

The upcoming season will be the 42nd for Storlie who has amassed a 637-292 record coaching B-T and Taylor. He has the fifth-most wins in the history of the state and is likely to move up to fourth-place on the list this season. He’s nine wins behind current fourth-place Tom Desotell, the retired Sheboygan North coach. Only one coach ahead of Storlie on the list, Kimberly’s Jon Murphy, is still active. 

B-T began play on Monday of this week with a game at Plum City/Elmwood. The home opener is on Thursday as the Wildcats host Melrose-Mindoro. They’ll welcome De Soto for a game on Saturday.