There may have been limited expectations for the Melcher-Dallas Boys Basketball Squad this season. Knowing nearly 90% of the scoring was not returning this year due to graduation and a new coach on the sidelines, the Saints knew it would be a struggle. It was as the Saints finished 4-17 with new coach John Suntken on the bench. Suntken was careful this season not to overwhelm the players with too much early on. However, he says after this first season, expectations will be higher next year and the players need to be ready for it.

Suntken: “That won’t be a shock for next year. They know it, and they need to work on their game in the offseason and be ready, as that comes with it too.”

The Saints were led this season by Owen Suntken, who averaged 13.8 points per game, but his season was cut short 12 games in due to a leg injury. Chase Ripperger would step into that scoring role in the 2nd half of the season as he averaged just over 11 points per game.