2011-2012 Crusader Basketball

THANKS TO LEON!!! – Mr. Helias, our #1 Fan, Leon Vanderfeltz passed away at the age of 79 on the eve of Monday, February 6^th, 2012.  From Helias Basketball: “We love you Leon, we will miss you, but we will never forget you!  Thanks for all you did for our kids, our school, and our community!”

Season Outlook:

The Helias Mens’ Basketball team is poised to take to the hardwood for action this winter following a season highlighted by a 19-8 record, a 3rd Consecutive District Championship, and a class 4 Sectional Appearance in the State Playoffs.

The Crusaders’ return only one Varsity Starter in Sr. Deion Hughes (2 year Starter, 2-Time 1st team All-District, top 3 in every major statistical category for Helias).  Deion is a “complete” basketball player that can do a number of different things on the court.  Deion will be called upon for a lot of leadership and production once again for his final season as a Crusader.  Another Significant Varsity Returner is “2010, 6^th Man of the Year,” Sr. Josh Smith (9 ppg, 40% + 3 pt. shooter).  Josh helped lead Helias to many “huge” victories in ’10-’11 and will be looked upon to do the same this season.  Josh is a tremendous shooter from long range and has worked on adding new dimensions to his game this off-season. 

Due to suffering a knee injury this fall, it is very unfortunate for the Crusaders that Jr. Starting Point Guard Dylan Gish will be sidelined for the season (2 Year Starter, 2-Time All-District).  Dylan will still be used in many ways to help lead Helias Basketball to another successful season.  The Helias Faithful look forward to having Dylan back for his Senior Season.  Sr. Brad Schrimpf (’10-’11 Varsity Letter Winner), will be called on for point guard duties this season.  Brad’s work ethic will again be an example for the entire program.  Brad has focused diligently this off season on further developing his all-around game.  Sr. Aaron Vossen, (’10-’11 Varsity Returning Letter Winner) a vocal leader for the Crusaders, will be also be called on for statistical production this season.  Aaron brings a high level of intensity to the hardwood, both mentally and physically.  

The Crusaders are Bound and Determined to have a great season and continue to add to the successful tradition of Helias Basketball. Thus, the Crusaders will look to several other returning newcomers to compete for spots, players coming off a very successful ‘10-’11 JV season (Final Record, 17-5).  Those individuals will include Sr. Robbie Husting, Sr. Seth Caywood, Jr. Anthony Woodruff, Jr. Jared Bentlage, So. Michael Tannehill, So. Jake White, and So. Brock Gerstner.  In an effort to do so, the basketball team’s off-season and summer consisted of a championship in the big school division at Mizzou basketball camp, a solid performance at the Nixa Shootout in Southern Missouri, and an active participation in a Division I Basketball Specific weights and conditioning program.

Competing against a toughened schedule that comprises at least Sixteen Class 4 foes, including the Class 4 Missouri State Runner-ups, and Nine Class 5 opponents in the ’11-’12 season, the Coaching Staff and ‘Sader boys basketball team, led by Coach Josh Buffington who enters his 4th year as Helias’ head coach and 11th overall, are primed to continue last season’s accomplishments and further add to the successful legacy and tradition of the program.

The Helias Boys' Basketball Coaching Staff:

Varsity Head Coach – Josh Buffington (4th year at Helias, 11^th year coaching, Helias Head Coaching Record, 60-22, Overall Head Coaching Record, 105-81)

Head Varsity Assistant Coach – Joe Rothweiler (4th year at Helias, 4th year coaching)

Varsity Assistant Coach, Head JV Coach – Brad Dempsey (1st year at Helias, 5th year coaching)

Head Freshmen Coach – Antonio Sykes (1^st year at Helias, 9^th year coaching)

Freshmen Assistant Coach – Chris Wyrick (3^rd year with Helias Basketball, 12^th year coaching)