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The first year of the Grant County / Mott-Regent co-op saw the team finish sub .500, but securing a fifth place position in Region 7. With a large prospect of juniors and sophomores set to make their mark, the team are rife with experienced upperclassmen and could be a potential powerhouse.
As a team, Grant County / Mott-Regent had 75 blocks last season — 42 of which were collected by their junior center Weston Zacher. Their tough-nose defense, paired with their dynamic shooting, could see this team putting up serious numbers on the scoreboards.
Nate Zachmann, the co-op’s head coach said that their team chemistry and senior leadership will be driving forces in the season.
“I feel we are way ahead of where we were last year at this time, Zachmann” Second year of the co-op, more familiar with everything. Everyone is on the same page. Communication is better.”
They return four seniors and two juniors that have seen minutes on the court.
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Their two biggest standouts are senior Jesse Reich and Weston Zacher. The two each averaged over 15 buckets per game last year and have only further developed their craft in the offseason.
Reich is a First Team All-Region player, tallying 29 steals, 32 assists and 15 blocks. His hardwork in the gym and consistency has earned him to be a playmaker and leader on the squad.
Zacher is a dominating force and his towering 6’ 7” height makes him incredibly effective in the paint. He averaged 16 points per game and 10 rebounds a game — tying for fourth on the state leaderboard. He tallied 45 steals, 30 assists and his 42 blocks ranked him No. 7 in the state on shot blocks.
Along with Zacher and Reich, senior Adam Kautzman were their leading three-point shooters last season. Kautzman's quick fingertips garnered him 60 stolen balls last season. He fits the bill of being a two-way player, last season he created 45 shots for his teammates and had eight blocks. At six feet, he can be utilized as either a guard or a forward, giving Grant County / Mott-Regent options in tight scenarios.
Seniors Cole Manolovits and Brandon Brunelle each stand at six feet and will certainly see time on the starting lineup, as well as junior guard Matthew Huether. Huether proved to be a good defensive player down the stretch, forcing 62 turnovers off steals.
The co-op may turn some heads in the season with their depth and eagerness to compete. Their camaraderie will look to continue to grow into the second year and quite possibly so will the wins.
“Everyone had a great offseason getting in the gym and weight room,” Zachmann said. “Plan is to compete everyday, attack the porches and be playing our best basketball in March.”
