Big man Dutcher leads deep Warriors lineup

Steven Hoeflich

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With a deep rotation of upperclassmen and some still developing talent, Westminster Christian is looking to test its might against a tough non-conference schedule and brand-new league.

Of a group of 10 upperclassmen, junior center Ian Dutcher (6-foot-8) will be the primary weapon for the Warriors.

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Steven Hoeflich

Dutcher, a Courier-News All-Area honorable mention selection last year, finished fourth in the area in rebounding at 6.9 per game, tallied 7.9 points per game and finished with 53 blocks for a team that went 17-11.

"He may have a little growing ahead of him," coach Bruce Firchau said of his already towering man in the middle. "His numbers will keep going up. Right now Ian is below the radar. People might question who (we're) playing but I just think with Ian's improvement and size, he won't be below the radar too much longer."

Firchau applauds Dutcher's ability to run the court and his improved shooting, adding that the team's guards "don't know how good they have it" with Dutcher down low.

Those guards that will be sending it in to Dutcher are senior Ben Carani (6-2), junior Steven Hoeflich (5-9), junior Brandon Cork (5-9) and senior St. Charles North transfer Mark Graziano (5-10).

Westminster's best defensive player is senior Ryan Beachler (6-0), who leads a group of forwards, including junior Luke Carani (6-1), senior Nate Suire (6-1), junior Jordan Kalous (6-3) and junior Andrew Mason (6-3).

Beachler is Westminster's top returning scorer from a year ago (9 ppg) and also captained the Warriors sectional finalist soccer team, which Firchau hopes to emulate.

"Their chemistry was fun to watch," Firchau said. "We're still searching for that chemistry."

One thing that Firchau is uncertain about is his team's defense, a usual staple of his clubs.

"Defense is something we need to work on," said Firchau, back for his fifth season with the team. "They have to learn to play with a high level of intensity. We want to get people out of their comfort zone rather than give them a pillow."

Combining regular-season and tournament games, Westminster will play 12 contests against schools above its own class 1A status. That, along with play in the new Northeastern Athletic Conference, has Firchau wondering how things will go for the Warriors.

"I'm curious," said Firchau, who pointed to Rockford Christian and Alden-Hebron among those that he figures will lead the NAC. "I'd like to think we could be right up there, but we don't know how it will play out."