NORTHVILLE – After reaching the Section II Class D championship game last season, the Northville boys’ basketball team brings and experienced group into the new campaign as it looks for a return trip.
“We’re a very senior-laden team this season,” Northville coach John Karbowski said. “We have a lot of experience and leadership, which should help us out. It’s been an easier start to the season because we have so many players back. They know the system and we’re able to pick things up quicker.”
Last year, the Falcons went 15-8 overall, losing to Oppenheim-Ephratah/St. Johnsville, 52-45, in the Class D title game as they came up short in their bid for their first sectional title since 2008.
Northville lost Dan VanNostrand, Cameron Sawyer and Wyatt Sira to graduation. VanNostrand was a first-team Western Athletic Conference Mohawk Division all-star last season.
The Falcons return eight seniors from last year’s squad. That group includes Landon Frasier, J.T. Artikuski, Jacob Frank, Chase Mitchell, Lance Edwards, Evan Tamulaitis, Andrew Cordone and Garrett Shepard. Frank was a second-team WAC Mohawk Division all-star last season as a junior.
Rounding out the roster are five newcomers, including senior Landon Ginter and juniors Landon Lent, Eric Gutkowski, Isaac Derstine and James Pertell.
“We have a solid group. Our goal is to continue to get better as the season goes on,” Karbowski said.
The goal of improving as the year goes on is aided by the Falcons playing a tough league schedule.
“I think playing in the WAC helps us. We’re the only Class D school in the league and we play bigger schools in every league game. Our goal is to be compete and be competitive in the league.”
Karbowski will be assisted this season by Michael Kalkbrenner, Bill VanNostrand and former Mayfield boys’ varsity coach Jon Goodemote.
“The ultimate goal for us is the sectional tournament,” Karbowski said. “The ups-and-downs along the way will only make us better.”
Contact Paul Wager at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @PaulWager24.
