LONE TREE BOYS BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Returning starters carve the path for Lions

By Paul D. Bowker
Posted 11/29/21

LONE TREE

One year after returning no starters, the Lions return their top four scorers and top three rebounders.

They’re ready to power up.

But two of those Lions – …

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LONE TREE BOYS BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Returning starters carve the path for Lions

Posted

LONE TREE

One year after returning no starters, the Lions return their top four scorers and top three rebounders.

They’re ready to power up.

But two of those Lions – seniors Tyler Bell and Adam Knock – are battling injuries sustained during football season.

Bell, a running back for the Lions in football who scored three touchdowns in two games, broke his collarbone in the third game of the football season. He was expected back for the start of the boys basketball season.

Knock, a point guard, is still recovering from a stress fracture in his foot, but is hoping to be ready to play basketball early in the season.

Once back in the lineup, Bell and Knock will join senior teammates Cade Shield and Cade Patterson to help form a powerful lineup for the Lions. All were starters last year, combining for more than 28 points a game.

Bell, a second team All-Conference selection, will play a crucial role for the Lions. He ranked second in rebounding last year in the Southeast Super Conference North with 177 boards. He actually had more rebounds than points, although his 155 points in 19 games were the most of any Lion and ranked among the top 20 in the conference.

Even without Bell and Knock practicing early in the preseason, Lone Tree head coach Tom Squiers liked what he saw.

“Their effort has been great,” he said. “They play hard, they practice hard. They’re positive kids, they’re great kids to be around.”

Shield ranked 21st in the SEISC North with 139 points last year and was 12th in steals with 37. Knock’s 31 assists ranked among the top 20. Patterson had 11 3-pointers and 31 steals last year.

The Lions will also be looking for solid play out of senior Matt Fellows, and a group of six juniors: Braden Viers, Drew Gaulley, Mitchell Koedam, Ethan Willoz, Tyce Alt and Jack Buser.

The Lions didn’t waste any time in getting in some game action. They participated in a doubleheader scrimmage with the school’s girls team on November 16 following just two days of practices.

“The kids stepped up,” Squiers said. “Cade Shield hit a lot of threes. Last year he struggled shooting the ball for us, so hopefully that’ll kind of continue.”

Lone Tree will play Thursday night at Keota, then host conference rival Highland on Monday.

SCOUTING THE LIONS

Head coach: Tom Squiers

2020-21 record: 2-17

Class 1A Tournament: Lost 53-45 to Cedar Valley Christian in a play-in game.

Top returnees: The Lions return their top three scorers from last season – Tyler Bell, Cade Shield and Adam Knock.

Seniors: Cade Shield, Cade Patterson, Tyler Bell, Adam Knock, Matt Fellows.

Juniors: Braden Viers, G; Drew Gaulley, G; Mitchell Koedam, F; Ethan Willoz, Tyce Alt, Jack Buser.

Sophomore: Ethan Bockelman.

SCHEDULE

Nov. 29: At Belle Plaine

Dec. 2: At Keota

Dec. 6: HIGHLAND

Dec. 7: At Winfield-Mt. Union

Dec. 10: MEDIAPOLIS

Dec. 14: At Wapello

Dec. 17: LOUISA-MUSCATINE

Dec. 21: At Columbus

Jan. 4: HILLCREST

Jan. 7: At Pekin

Jan. 11: At Highland

Jan. 18: WINFIELD-MT. UNION

Jan. 20: At Midland

Jan. 21: At Mediapolis

Jan. 25: WAPELLO

Jan. 27: ENGLISH VALLEYS

Jan. 28: At Louisa-Muscatine

Jan. 29: At Valley Lutheran

Feb. 1: COLUMBUS

Feb. 3: At Hillcrest

Feb. 5: SEISC Shootout

Feb. 8: PEKIN

 

Lone Tree, boys basketball