Cobra men poised for strong season

By Chad Rhoad
Editor/ The Messenger
Published: November 19, 2008

The Coker College men’s basketball team began the 2008-09 season with a 80-59 win over Division I Coastal Carolina, a game that head coach Dan Schmotzer said was a joy to watch.

“We have really a nice team coming back from last year,” Schmotzer said. “This is a team that really has some ability, some tremendous character, and they really get along well.”

The Cobras are returning nearly all of their impact players from last season. They are returning 12 from last year’s squad that finished 9-19 overall, and 7-14 in Conference Carolinas play. Of the 12 returns, the Cobras have four seniors and one all-conference selection, Mason Ambler.

Ambler will lead the charge on the inside. He will compliment guards Josh Poston, J.C Hafner and point guard Lukas Varga.

“Now, how long it takes to bring the offense and defense together remains to be seen,” Schmotzer added, “but, I’m not lying, I’m excited about this group.”

The coach said the team has good guard play and solid senior leadership this season. However, he said if the team can rebound better and take care of the basketball, the team should be poised for a good season.

“If we can do those things,” he said, “ I just think we can go somewhere we haven’t been in a while. But, that remains to be seen. It’s a long, long year.”

Schmotzer also said he has seen a strong commitment from some of his players this season. He listed Ambler, Varga, Hafner, Joselle Bracey and new recruit David Short from Darlington as a core of players with excellent commitment to the team. “They deserve victory when they pay that price,” the coach said.

The Cobras held their home opener Tuesday night as they faced Morris College. They will take the court again on Friday as they participate in the Francis Marion Tournament Nov. 21-22.