BLOG 7: Expect highs and lows with a Bulldog team that is still young

By Sandy Gholston

Ferris State’s Jason Holder shoots over the top of a Cornerstone defender during Thursday’s exhibition home contest at Jim Wink Arena. (Photo/Sandy Gholston)

BIG RAPIDS – Ferris State men’s basketball head coach Bill Sall had to figure his young team would have its share of ups and downs this season.

While the Bulldogs have more experience from top to bottom than last season, when they had eight freshmen, this year’s team still features something of a youthful look. Many of those rookies from a year ago, those who have persevered, now are sophomores. So, even with a year of experience, the sophomores led a young group. That was evident at times during Ferris’ up-and-down exhibition opener against Cornerstone Thursday night in Jim Wink Arena that ended in a close-shave 74-73 win for the Bulldogs.

“I think we’re light years ahead of where we were at this time last year,” Sall said. “I think we played well at times, but we have to get a higher level of consistency if we’re going to be successful as we go through the season.”

That greater consistency could begin with the second-year guys.

The sophomores (Justin Keenan, Darryl Nobles, Darien Gay, Bryan Pasciak and Matt DeHart) are still young guys, but with a wealth of potential. That sophomore class spent a lot of time in Big Rapids, and elsewhere, working to get better during those hot months of the summer. Freshman point guard Dontae Molden is showing flashes of what his potential will be as he gains experience. Newcomers like 6-foot-6 Verdell Billingsley, playing the power forward position; Josh Young, a solid shooter and slasher from the wing; and Austin Randel, a big-time shooter from the perimeter, fill valuable roles.

Ferris fans will have to be patient as the young guys blend in with the newcomers to put all the pieces completely together. Forwards Jason Holder and Mark Gildersleeve, two of the few veterans, will be largely in charge of keeping this group together and stable. But, judging by the solid talent on this roster, the future looks good. The future, also, could be here sooner rather than later if this team continues to work hard and maintains focus. Only time will tell how soon that bright future will arrive.

Keenan led the Bulldogs with 28 points and 10 rebounds against the Golden Eagles in the exhibition while Young added 13 points, Pasciak tallied eight while Randel chipped in with seven.

If you have any questions, ideas or comments feel free to contact Sandy Gholston at sgholston2@netzero.com