Jeff Rekeweg can't wait to showcase his full-power Saint Francis men's basketball team. He's just not sure when full power will show up.
Injuries have limited point guards Qadr Owens and Austin Leisure as the Cougars prepare for Friday night's season opener against OSU-Lima. Owens broke his hand three days before practice started. Leisure hurt his wrist.
“If Q is healthy, he's probably our starting point guard,” Rekeweg said. “Austin also will play the point.”
If Owens and Leisure can't stay healthy, Rekeweg will go with freshman Joey Kosiarek of Bishop Dwenger.
“Out of necessity we moved him to point guard and he responded real well,” Rekeweg said.
All the Cougars have responded as they prepare to ramp up last year's 17-14 record. They are ranked No. 23 in preseason polls.
“The ranking is about right,” Rekeweg said. “I think we have talent, but we haven't shown anything yet. We haven't played that first game. Right now it's just potential.”
“We've been very pleased with the young guys and the returning guys,” Rekeweg said. “The leadership and the way the guys get along and are willing to work is excellent.”
Saint Francis plays a strong schedule that includes at least seven teams ranked in the top 25, plus the usual strong Mid-Central Conference lineup.
“Last year Bethel and Indiana Wesleyan separated themselves from everybody else in the conference,” Rekeweg said. “This year I don't see that happening. I don't think anyone will dominate.
“The team that comes ready to play every game, the team that finds ways to win when it's struggling offensively, is the team that will win the conference.”
