Cardinal Stritch preview

Fast facts

Opponent: Cardinal Stritch
Enrollment (9-12): 370
Division/League: D-IV, TAAC
Team Nickname: Cardinals

Modified from the Toledo Blade and Blanchard River Buzz TAAC previews

Coach: Dave Rieker, second season
Last season: 7-15, 4-8 TAAC
This season: 6-4, 3-2 TAAC

Returning lettermen: Kyle Hatfield 6-5, sr., C; 6 ppg., 4 rpg.; 1 apg.; Michael Blazevich 6-1, sr., G; 6 ppg., 4 rpg.; 2 apg.; Conner Kelsey 6-3, jr., F; 3 ppg., 3 rpg.; Robby Bekier 6-3, jr., F; 3 ppg., 2 rpg.; 1 apg.; Shane Goetz 6-3, sr., C; 2 ppg.; 2 rpg.;
Top prospects: Marquise Harrison 6-2, sr., G; Austin Adams 6-2, fr., G;

Outlook: Hatfield and Blazevich each averaged 6 points and 4 rebounds per game last season and will be joined by Harrison, a transfer from Waite.

Kelsey and Beiker (both 3 points per game) are among seven returning letter winners.

Depth, length, and a hard-playing style should be the Cardinals' strengths, according to Rieker.

Rebounding, physical strength, and shooting consistency could be weaknesses.

"We will be much improved with more depth and experience," Rieker said. "If we can rebound and cut down on turnovers, we can be competitive. We need to improve our shooting, so we must take smart shots."

Hawkblog game notes: The Cardinals have been all over the map this year, their best win this year was in their opener, a 40-38 win at 7-4 Fremont St. Joe’s…worst losses? – the Cards were up nearly 20 at Genoa and lost in OT on a last second heartbreak shot to the Comets…they also relinquished a big lead against Emmanuel Christian the game before…your Hawkblogger was at the Genoa game over winter break; a sure sign that he needs to get a life…Marquise Harrison has made a big difference in the Cardinals game, replacing the big scoring hole left with the graduation of Justin Stahler…The game will be broadcast on BCSN…the Cardinals are riding a four game win streak coming into the contest...the Hawks and Cardinals are familiar foes, facing off many times in both the Central Catholic and Premier summer leagues.