Talented Chiefs look to make the post-season

Zach Urness / Leader Staff

For the past few years the Ronan Chiefs have, at times, had their butts kicked around the gym, losing 23 games during one stretch spanning two seasons.

This season, they're looking to return the favor.

The Chiefs return many of their best players from last year's team that took fourth place in the Northwest A and compiled a 11-10 overall record. And with the return of Makenzy Kelch, who was injured last season, the Chiefs should be one of the most athletic teams in the conference, and, according to head coach John Hollow, should make it well into the post-season.

"I feel like we can compete for the state championship this year," he said. "There is just a different feel to this year's team. You can't teach experience and most of the kids on this team have at least one year of significant varsity experience."

The Chiefs will be led by returning combo-guard Moss Tanner, who can move the ball inside the lane and out, and scoring threats Mike Fisher and Nolan Harris.

"Moss is important because he does a little bit of everything," said Hollow. "Mike and Nolan, I think, will be our best scoring options."

Ronan will also be buoyed by experienced players like Jordan St. Clair, Ryon Hesselgesser and Mike Crawford.

The only hole in this year's team is left by departing senior and rebound machine Cameron Barber, who was the team's primary inside presence last season.

"By far my biggest concern is our height," said Hollow. "We're looking to some of our taller athletic guys like Makenzy (Kelch), Ryon (Hesselgesser) and Mike Crawford to assert themselves inside."

The Chiefs greatest asset this season will be their speed and athleticism, and Hollow noted that while he isn't looking for his team to play a strictly run-and-gun offense, he is looking for his team to play an up-tempo offense.

"We want to make other teams adjust to our style of play," said Hollow. "With our lack of height, we want to push it when we have the opportunity, but against good teams you also have to be able to execute your half-court offense."

With so many talented players on offense, Hollow said that the main focus in practice over the first few weeks has been defense.

"Everybody can score," he said of the offense, "but we need to improve our defense."

The Chiefs will be tested in their first game of the season, as they travel up to Columbia Falls for a round-robin tournament that pits the Northwest A against the Southwest A conferences.

Ronan, ironically enough, will play Stevensville first, a team whose strength is derived principally from their height.

"I hear they have about three kids around six foot, five inches," said Hollow. "They're one of the teams favored in their conference so we'll find out where we're at right away."