BRANDT – Gone is an 18-win season, along with several of the key components which led the Bethel Bees boys’ basketball team to success last year. 

But still there are the beliefs instilled in the Bees program by head coach Rick Hickman, and the coaching staff.  With a new group of kids coming in, Hickman expects the Bees to compete and show their supporters that a winning season is anticipated.
“One of the most important things we did last year was develop a winning attitude,” Hickman said.  “If we take care of the intangibles, good things will happen.  The winning attitude we developed has paid off this summer, as those who came back right away expected to win.”
“We won some close games against some good competition due to their attitude.  Our expectations are high, and they know they have to step up and we can be successful.”
It all starts with the leadership, and five seniors lead the way for the Bees this season.  David Elam, a 5-foot-10 guard, will be one of those expected to lead, and Hickman expects a lot from his senior.
“He has been a pleasant surprise so far this season,” Hickman said.  “His aggressiveness has stepped up, and has worked a lot on his shot.”
“David has been doing a good job getting to the basket this season.  He makes good decisions seeing the floor well and finding the open man.”
Ben Schwieterman (6-foot-1) also looks to contribute, and will be a swing player, able to handle both the guard and post positions.
“He is very capable of going inside and playing the four (power forward) position,” Hickman said.  “He has been our most consistent shooter so far, able to knock down the three for us.”
After not playing last season, 5-foot-11 Kody Kahle looks to step up for the Bees, and returns for his senior season.
“Kody has primarily played inside for us this year, and at 5-foot-11, does a nice job,” Hickman said.  Another forward will be 6-foot-1 senior Kyle Burrowes, coming off a successful junior varsity season.
“He was a golfer for us in the fall, and as soon as that was over, Kyle didn’t hesitate to get into the gym to get in some shots,” Hickman said. 
The final senior Jordan Holtvogt is coming off a successful football season, and the 5-foot-11 wing also looks to make the most of his first stint on varsity.
“Jordan is very aggressive and strong, and will be counted on this year for us,” Hickman said.
Four juniors also reside on the roster, including 5-foot-11 Kyle Hamlin, who was named the conference player of the year in soccer, looks to transcend his game onto the hardwood this season.
“He is quite a competitor, and has proven on occasion he can get very hot from the outside,” Hickman said.  “We are looking for him to help on the perimeter, and he gets up the down the floor extremely well, and is very athletic.”
Joe Zimmerman returns at 5-foot-9, and will handle the point guard duties.  According to Hickman, he puts a lot of pressure on the defense, and is the teams’ best ball handler.
Battling a knee injury is 5-foot-11 Dusty Elsass, who plays underneath in the post spot.  He has been cleared to play and looks to contribute according to Hickman.
Another junior who could provide some damage later in the year is 6-foot Jeremiah Lawson, as he will see a lot of junior varsity minutes with the chance to make some noise at some point this season.
Also on the roster are sophomore Gus Schwieterman, a 6-foot-2 forward and Patrick Bain, a 5-foot-11 guard.
One thing this group has going for them is most of them were part of a very successful fall sport, whether it be football, soccer or golf.  Hickman believes the winning attitude carries over.
“It’s all part of the winning attitude, it lends itself to pick up where you left off,” he said.  “We have challenged our kids to get better every day.”
After capturing a share of the Cross County Conference title last season with an 11-1 record, Hickman knows it should be as competitive as it ever has this season.  He mentioned Miami East as the favorites in the conference, but also likes Tri-Village, Arcanum, Franklin-Monroe, and the Bees as teams to fight for the league title.