Peabody-Burns boys ‘starting from scratch’ this year

ORIGINALLY WRITTEN DIANE MAYS
The Peabody-Burns boys’ basketball team has undergone a complete face-lift this season.

“We lost seven seniors last year, we have one returning starter, and we have a few guys that have seen varsity time, so we basically have a whole new group of guys coming in,” said first-year coach Rob Holopirek.

The coaching staff is new as well, so everyone is getting used to everyone else.

“We’re basically starting from scratch,” Holopirek said.

Holopirek comes to Peabody-Burns after being an assistant coach at LaCrosse for four years.

He is looking for junior Caleb Good and seniors Brennan Commerford, Phil Unruh,and Nick Conquest to carry the load of leadership this season.

“I’d say our biggest strength is just our work ethic and attitude,” he said.

Most of his players are used to playing together-they just aren’t used to playing on the varsity level, he said.

“Last year’s senior class was just so talented that it just made these guys not see court time,” Holopirek said.

Getting used to playing on the varsity level may take some time, he added.

“The good thing is we had a successful football season this year, and I think that leadership and momentum is going to carry over and help us,” Holopirek said.

“We’ve got some pretty good leaders established, and, as a whole, they’re a group that works really hard, and they don’t need one person to take charge and lead.” he said. “They really work good together as a team.”

Although Holopirek is new, he’s already learning about the Warriors’ rivals, as well as the teams in the Heart of America League.

“I’ve heard that this league is one of the best leagues in the state, and we’re expecting competition every nigh,” he said. “We don’t see any games as easy games.”

Goessel, Hutch Trinity and Burton are considered to be the teams to beat in the league.

The Warriors open their season at home Friday against Hutch Trinity.

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