Dawson Smith and Clint Weber combined for nearly 40 points and 20 rebounds a game. Both were second team all-state selections.

“We’re going to miss all eight seniors,” Reeder admitted. “Four of them played quite a bit and four didn’t. But they all added intensity in practice and a commitment that a senior player brings. Everyone bought into their role, which is one of the reasons we had a special year. And it didn’t hurt having two special players like Dawson and Clint.

“I was very blessed to step into this position,” Reeder added. “It’s an honor and privilege to lead this program. The kids put in a lot of work. They were told it wasn’t supposed to be a great year for T-Town, but they went out and proved those people wrong.”

But as is the case every year in T-Town, the cupboard is not bare. Reeder will welcome back five players that either started or played a lot of minutes, plus kids that are moving up to the varsity that have experienced nothing but success at the lower levels.

Reeder believes quickness and shooting will be two of the team’s strengths.

“We’re not as big as last year, but we’re quicker and more versatile,” he noted. “Every kid on the floor can shoot. Hopefully, we’ll be a bit more up-tempo this year, but we have to take care of the basketball.”

Rebounding is a concern.

“That will be a challenge. We’re losing nearly 20 rebounds a game,” Reeder explained. “All five guys on the floor will need to be committed to it. Rebounding will be a team concept.

“Plus, we need to figure out who needs to score and when,” the coach added. “We have a lot of guys that can shoot and score, but only one basketball. We will need to figure out what is a good shot for our team.

“I’d be surprised if the same guy led us in scoring two or three games in a row,” Reeder continued. “We have several kids that can get 10 points a game. The challenge for me is determining who to draw up a play for in certain situations. That’s something I need to figure out.”

Just a few days prior to the season opener, Reeder had not determined a starting lineup.

“We have seven kids that could start,” he said. “I’m not sure we’ll have the same starting lineup all year long.”

Seniors Luke Ungrund and Mitch Hardiek figure to be in that starting lineup.

Ungrund is 5’10” and the team’s point guard.

“I love coaching him,” Reeder said. “He’s ultra-competitive and plays full speed all the time. He makes me want to pull my hair out sometimes, but I wouldn’t want him to change. He’s a great defender that can score.”

Hardiek is 6’3” and the team’s best defender.

“He will always guard the other team’s best player,” Reeder noted. “He’s hard-nosed, but very coachable. He led our Hustle Chart last year. He’s always around the ball. He just needs to gain a little more confidence in his shot.”

The other senior if 6’4” forward Brock Deters.

“He always seems to be in the right spot,” Reeder said. “He’s a very good rebounder for his size. He didn’t play much last year, but we’re going to need him to be good on the boards, especially at the offensive end. He’s our most vocal kid.”

Four talented juniors make up that group of seven – Evan Wermert, Jordan Hardiek, Evan Addis and Matthew Deters.

Wermert (6’3”), along with Ungrund and Hardiek, were starters on last year’s squad.

“He’s our most versatile player,” Reeder said. “He can go inside or step outside. You might see him play some point guard and then go inside and post up. Evan has also turned into a very good defender.”

Reeder describes the 6’1” Hardiek as “the best shooter on the team. He’s also a good on-the-ball defender and getting better with his decision making. He’s also getting to the basket better.”

Addis (6’1”) is “another player that can really shoot it,” Reeder said. “I look for him to stretch the defense. He’s a good rebounder for a guard and is improving everyday on defense.”

Deters is 6’3”, but due to his long arms, plays more like 6’7”.

“And he’s a quick jumper off the floor, which helps make him a good rebounder,” Reeder note. “He has improved his shot. He can now step out and hit a three. Plus, he’s also worked on his moves in the post.”

The other three on the varsity roster are Jack Poelker, a 6’4” junior; Max Niebrugge, a 5’9” sophomore; and Sam Bushur, a 6’2” sophomore.

“Jack is a nice inside/outside player with a nice shot. He gives us more versatility,” Reeder explained. “Max is similar to Luke. He’s a hard-nosed player that plays under control. And Sam is improving on shooting the ball and attacking the rim.

“Honestly, I could see us playing 10 guys early in the year,” the coach added. “The first seven have separated themselves a little in practice, but the other three aren’t far behind.”

When asked about the key to the season, he quickly responded – “Shooting.”

“We have to make shots,” he said. “But if we have a poor shooting night, we can’t let that affect the other aspects of our game. We still have to defend and rebound. If we do that, we’ll be okay. But we still have to make some shots.”

The Wooden Shoes will open their 2019-2020 season Monday night in the St. Anthony Thanksgiving Tournament. They will face Robinson at 6 p.m. T-Town will play five games in six nights.

“I know expectations are always high in Teutopolis,” Reeder said. “But I’ve never shied away from a challenge in my life. I was the third kid in our family and my older brother challenged me every day. But facing those challenges gives me the opportunity to be a better coach. I love coaching in an environment where the expectations are high and people expect you to do the right things.

“So far, this year’s group has gone above and beyond my expectations,” Reeder added. “I’m cautiously optimistic. I think we’ll be a pretty good team, but you really won’t know that until you play somebody else.”