Frazier coach expects a ‘battle’ every night in new section
By JEREMY SELLEW
jsellew@yourmvi.com
There’s no denying expectations are high for the Frazier boys basketball team.
Returning to Class 2A after spending two seasons in 3A gives fourth-year head coach Zach Keefer and his Commodores a whole new slate of opponents.
Instead of section games against teams like McGuffey, Washington, Southmoreland and Charleroi, the Commodores will see familiar teams such as California, Monessen, Jefferson-Morgan, Carmichaels and Bentworth.
“It’s really similar to the 2A section we were in three years ago,” Keefer said. “Every game, every night was a battle and every game meant something.”
Coming off a season in which Frazier went 4-18 and 2-10 in the section, new opponents will be a welcome sight for a team returning three starters and getting a couple of new athletes in the mix.
It helps to have a four-year starter at point guard, which Frazier does in Luke Santo.
The 5-11 Santo scored 13 points per game last season and will be counted on once again to lead the team on and off the floor.
“It’s a luxury to have a kid like him on your team,” Keefer said. “What’s special about Luke is how he gets his teammates involved. He’s a true point guard with a pass-first mentality. He’s just as happy setting up his teammates as he is when he’s scoring him- self.”
The other returning starters Santo will be looking to set up are senior Owen Newcomer (11 ppg) and Colton Arison (7 ppg).
Two starting spots are up for grabs with senior Chase Hazelbaker holding one of those and Noah Oldham and Kenny Fine battling for the other.
“Chase is relentless on the boards,” Keefer said of the 6-foot guard/forward. “He does a lot of the dirty work for us underneath and he seems to have a knack for scoring when he gets the ball in the paint. We’re happy to have him this year.”
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