Roseville High School's basketball season had a big challenge to face weeks before practice ever started.
Senior star Emeche Wells injured his knee in the final regular season football game against Cretin-Derham Hall.
He has not practiced for the basketball team as of Nov. 23. However, Raiders coach Ted Critchley sees a possibility of his return.
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“Time is all we have in regards to his return to play,” Critchley said. “He is an amazing player who does so much. I just want Emeche on the court for Emeche. I have confidence in all of our players in stepping up too fill such a big hole.”
Wells helped the Raiders share the Suburban East Conference title last year with a 15-3 record in conference play. The Raiders went 22-6 overall and never lost at home (12-0).
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That team also had a lot of offensive talent that moved to graduation. Sharp shooters Mack Johnson and Logan Brown will return to give the Raiders some offensive firepower.
“I think they have also added something to their games so they are also much more complete players,” Critchley said.
Jake Hall will step into Wells’ position, and Critchley believes Hall can be quite effective.
“He is a stats stuffer much like Emeche so he will have the opportunity to show his talents while we wait for Emeche's return,” Critchley said.
In addition, the new varsity players from last year’s junior varsity and sophomore teams know how to win. They lost a combined seven games last year. Jordan Burich will take the center role, and Collin Johnson and Kobe Critchley will step in at guard positions.
“As a team, we should be fairly quick, athletic, and have the ability to shoot,” coach Critchley said. “We are showing signs of improvement on the defensive end, but rebounding and recovering the basketball is a concern at this point.”
Critchley describes Collin Johnson as someone who can attack the basket and Kobe Critchley as a player who can effectively distribute the ball. The coach also sees Burich making progress in the post.
The young Raiders will have their hands full with a tough SEC and a challenging non-conference schedule. Their schedule features non-conference teams such as local powers St. Paul Johnson and Minneapolis Washburn.
The Raiders will also face St. John’s Lutheran from Florida and Milwaukee Riverside. Teams can get lost in the forest with a tall Riverside team – five players tower over 6 feet, 8 inches.
“It should test our mettle and help prepare us for a strong conference and section run,” Critchley said.
In SEC play, the Raiders will see CDH to be a strong opponent again. Stillwater, White Bear Lake and East Ridge also look formidable in the SEC with their top scorers returning. The Raiders open the season at Irondale on Dec. 6.
