By Matt Browning
Considering the Kapaun Mount Carmel boys basketball team won the 5A title a year ago, it’s difficult to believe they could be even better this year, but standout guard Rocco Keller thinks it could be possible.
“We have a lot of returning talent and also some young guys who are ready to step up,” Keller said. “I think this is the deepest Kapaun team I’ve been a part of. We have great chemistry; we all hang out together and most of us are all on the football team together and we just all have the same goal on our minds which is to play as hard as we can every day.”
Even though Keller, who averaged 14 points, seven points and three assists per game, was a first team all-league selection a year ago, there were facets to his game he wanted to improve on.
“This offseason I have been training with my trainer, Lawrence Wright, he has really helped me over the years turn into more of a guard,” Keller said. “My ball handling has improved a lot which helps me create my own shots. I also have attended some college camps this offseason to showcase my skills.”
Kapaun head coach Steve Eck emphasizes the importance of the midrange game, so Keller put up plenty of shots in that area.
“This will be a huge piece of my game this year, as in years past I was very inconsistent in the midrange,” Keller said. “This shot opens up more opportunities for me to score and to facilitate, to get my teammates open for a shot.”
