The Edinburgh player with the most varsity court time understands the responsibility he’s being asked to shoulder.
Senior Darius Bennett insists he’s up to the task.
“It’s a little bit of pressure, but we’ve got some young guys and that I can play a good leadership role and help them,” said Bennett, a 5-foot-10 guard who averaged 7.5 points and 2.6 assists a year ago. “Hopefully, we can have a successful season and get some wins.
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“We only have two seniors on the team. I’ve always been vocal and talk to the other guys. I definitely think we can have a winning season.”
Edinburgh graduated 68 percent of its point production from a squad that finished 10-13, but Bennett should have some help filling that void.
Sophomore Travis Jones, who stands 6-foot-4, will be asked to lead a Lancer frontcourt that could also include senior Tyson Sackman and sophomore Landen Burton, who are 6-5 and 6-4, respectively.
Caleb Dewey, a 6-2 freshman, is also expected to make an immediate impact.
Third-year coach Keith Witty expects juniors Noah Detling and Issac Roberts to pick up some varsity experience, as well as sophomore guard Parker Young.
“We have a very young group, and, obviously, defense is going to be a huge mindset,” Witty said. “But I also think we have some quickness, so we’re going to play up tempo. I think that’s a style that fits us.”
This should appeal to Bennett, who had 35 steals last season.
“Darius is going to have to do a lot of leadership for us and be an extension of me on the floor,” Witty said. “As a senior, I hope he steps up in that role. I’ve talked to Travis about that leadership role, too. He’s a guy who has been through the battles a little bit.”
The battles begin anew next week. Edinburgh opens up with a Nov. 26 trip to rival Southwestern, part of what has become an annual home-and-home set. The teams split last season’s meetings, with the Lancers claiming the opener.
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Scouting the Lancers
Coach: Keith Witty (third season)
Last season: 10-13, lost Class A sectional opener to Crothersville
Key returnees: Darius Bennett and Tyson Sackman, seniors; Noah Detling and Isaac Roberts, juniors; Travis Jones, sophomore
Top newcomers: Landen Burton and Parker Young, sophomores; Caleb Dewey, freshman
What to expect: The Lancers return less than a third of their point production from last season, leaving holdovers Bennett and Jones as the nucleus until teammates get their footing at the varsity level. Despite only being a freshman, the 6-foot-2 Dewey is expected to contribute immediately.
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1. Besides your own, what’s your favorite gym to play in?
I actually like playing in Hauser’s gym. It’s one of those rivalry things, and it’s something different with the glass around the top of the gym.
2. Which nonconference opponent are you most looking forward to playing?
Either Franklin or Greenwood. Just because the kids I play AAU basketball with, there are a lot of them from those two teams.
3. If you could steal one skill from one of your teammates, what would it be?
Our freshman, Caleb Dewey. I would take the way he attacks the basket, and his ability to get to the rim and finish.
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