Four starters to lead talented Bears boys hoops team

LAUREL — After a 14-10 season last year, Laurel-Concord-Coleridge boys basketball coach Todd Erwin is excited about the returns for the Bears this season.

Four starters are back from last year’s team, and that talent should allow for the Bears to play some exciting, fast-paced basketball this season.

“With four returning starters, we have the experience to be able to go with a press defense and an up-tempo offense this season,” he said.

Izac Reifenrath is the lone senior among the four returning starters and is one of the leading scorers from last year’s team. The 5-foot-11 senior will likely be the quarterback of the Bears offense on the floor this season.

Juniors Ty Erwin and Noah Schutte are both back this season. Schutte has matured and developed into one of the top scorers in the state in Class C-2 and can play anywhere on the floor, while Erwin has grown four inches to his current height of 6-foot-1 and has the ability to shoot the long ball as well.

Sophomore Cael Hartung got some quality time during his freshman season last year, and the 6-foot-2 power forward had worked hard in the weight room and should be a force inside, coach Erwin said.

A total of 22 players were listed on the LCC boys roster with just three seniors — Reifenrath, Cody Babl and Ryan Bathke.

The Bears open the season at home Thursday, Nov. 29 against Siouxland Christian. They play three home games during December, with matchups Dec. 7 against Emerson-Hubbard and Dec. 8 with Randolph.

LCC Boys BB Schedule

Nov. 29 Siouxland Christian

Nov. 30 at Crofton

Dec. 4 at Homer

Dec. 7 Emerson-Hubbard

Dec. 8 Randolph

Dec. 11 at Ponca

Dec. 14 at Plainview

Dec. 18 at Bloomfield

Dec. 27-29 Great NE Nebraska Shootout

Jan. 3 at Cedar Catholic

Jan. 4 Winnebago