Warriors have new leader

ARLEE - First-year Arlee head basketball coach Dustin Keltner

may be stepping into the shoes of Lake County coaching legend Clyde

Tucker, but he's been dealt one heck of a hand.

ARLEE - First-year Arlee head basketball coach Dustin Keltner may be stepping into the shoes of Lake County coaching legend Clyde Tucker, but he's been dealt one heck of a hand.

"Class C is a lot like five-card draw," Keltner, who had coached in Chester before this, said. "I'm dealt a pretty athletic team."

Arlee was fourth in the state last season and they'll look to replace three talented starters in Kyle Felsman, John Sansavere and Kody Morigeau.

"We're going to have to replace their leadership roles," Keltner said.

The good news is that Arlee is returning seven seniors to play this season.

"They've spent a lot of time in the gym and it really helps with the bench," Keltner said. "A deep bench will be valuable with the way we play."

Those seniors are point guard Jesse Pfau, shooting guard Kasey Bridgewater, post Thomas McClure, Trae Burland, Dakota Desjarlais, Eneas Inmee and Beau Courture. Pfau is coming off a successful cross country season and has a work ethic that should take him far this season.

"He works really hard and plays hard," Keltner said.

Burland came off the bench quite a bit last season and should see significant playing time this season.

"He's put it all together," Keltner said of Burland's game.

Junior Harvey Sansavere, John's brother, should also make a mark on the team.

"He's put a lot of time into the game and he can shoot it and drive well," Keltner said.

Junior Sam Nelson should also give the Warriors tremendous depth on the team and Keltner should be able to go right down his bench without any worries. Keltner has visited with Tucker to get more insight on the team and said he'll consult him for scouting out other teams as well.

"I'm coming into a program that has had a lot of success," Keltner, who's a 15-year coaching vet, said. "And I want to keep the ball moving."

Keltner is immediately looking at Charlo in the conference this season.

"Charlo is traditionally strong and they have a good squad coming back," Keltner said. "We're going to have our hands full with them."

With a state pedigree and plenty of talented athletes, Keltner has got to feel like he's been dealt a full house.

"They're not afraid to compete," he said.