- Jim Townsend
2017 Portland Saint Patrick Boys Basketball Season Preview
The team finished the 2016-2017 campaign with an eight win and 14 loss overall record, while finishing four and 12 in conference play. Their season ended with a loss to Fowler in the district finals.
The Shamrocks lost some talented players from last year with the graduation of Graham Smith who was an All-State selection, Brendan Schrauben who was honorable mention all-conference, and Noah Goodman.
An injury may have cost the Shamrocks nearly as much as graduation. Head Coach Mark Scheurer said that his, “Biggest loss this year is losing Dan Mackowiak for the season due to a broken wrist that is going to require surgery. Dan has been a starter for the past two years and an HM all CMAC performer. He was our leading scorer last year and our play maker at the point for us. He was also our best on the ball defender. Nothing is more painful to a coach then seeing a senior not able to play his last year because of an injury.”
But don’t let the losses to graduation and injury let you feel sorry for this team. The Shamrocks also have some very talented players returning. Coach Scheurer said, “Brandon Scheurer will be starting his third season on the varsity. He was an HM all CMAC performer as a sophomore and will be counted on heavily to lead the Shamrocks in many areas. He was the second leading scorer last year and has unlimited range with his jumper. With his addition of height and strength he will be counted on to expand his game offensively and defensively as well as overall leadership of the team.”
Coach Scheurer went on to say, “Nate Leahy is also a returner that is starting his third season on varsity. He and Scheurer will look to be a one-two punch on the offensive and defensive end. Nate can also shoot it from distance, but has an uncanny skill of getting to the basket through traffic. He will also be counted on heavily to be one of our top rebounders and team leaders on the court.”
Coach Scheurer is also hopeful that the school’s recent success in other sports may give the basketball team a boost. He said, “We have a very strong supporting cast who have had success in Football or Baseball in the past year. Hopefully that success will carry over to basketball. Many of them have limited varsity experience (Will Simon and Tyler Schrauben) or none at all. Especially, with our season starting late with the run by the football, the learning will be done on the fly. It will be done on the court. With the Junior class along with Sophomore Sam Mauren, they will hold much of the playing floor and growth throughout the season will determine what type of success we have as a team.”
This will be Mark Scheurer’s 12th year as head coach of the boys’ basketball team. His first stint coaching at St. Patrick was back in 1994-1998. He has also coached JV girls and boys basketball, and varsity baseball at the school. He is assisted by Bryan Scheurer.
The team opens their season on Tuesday 12/5 at 7:30 at home versus Ashley.
2017-2018 Roster
Number Name Grade
02 Will Simon 12
03 Brandon Scheurer 11
04 Brett Price 11
05 Tyler Schrauben 12
10 Nathaniel Leahy 11
11 Danny Mackowiak 12
15 Will Trierweiler 11
20 Graham Wohlscheid 11
22 Sam Mauren 10
25 Tanner Lawson 11
44 Nathan Lehnert 11
Coach: Mr. Mark Scheurer
Assistant: Mr. Bryan Scheurer
Team Manager/Video Coordinator: Kenny Hartwick
2017-18 Schedule
Day Date Opponent Location Time
Tuesday 12/05 Ashley Home 7:30
Thursday 12/07 Morrice Away 7:00
Tuesday 12/12 Laingsburg Home 7:00
Thursday 12/14 P-W Away 7:00
Saturday 12/16 Vestaburg Away 2:00
Tuesday 1/02 Saranac Home 7:30
Thursday 1/04 Fowler Home 7:30
Tuesday 1/09 Webberville Away 7:00
Thursday 1/11 Dansville Away 7:00
Wednesday 1/17 Bath Home 7:30
Friday 1/19 Potterville Away 7:00
Wednesday 1/24 Laingsburg Away 7:00
Friday 1/26 Fulton Home 7:30
Friday 2/02 P-W Home 7:30
Wednesday 2/07 Fowler Away 7:00
Friday 2/09 Saranac Away 7:30 *Color Game
Friday 2/16 Dansville Home 7:30
Wednesday 2/21 Bath Away 7:00
Friday 2/23 Potterville Home 7:30
Tuesday 2/27 Fulton Away 7:00
