Case Western post-season report.
Freshmen
This year's class of freshman came in with high hopes and the burden of contributing from day 1. Incoming freshmen Stanley Scarlett and Stephen Heinrich came in looking to fill a void in the frontcourt with the departures of super seniors Erik Hammond and Boleslaw Moleski. Freshman recruit Matthew Thornsberry signed late in the period, giving coach ampbyu a much needed threat from the perimeter. The learning curve was steep for these gentleman, but they responded to the challenge and look forward to 3 more years in the CWRU rotation.
Thornsberry -- 28.4 mpg 7.0 ppg 3.0 apg 2.1 rpg
Heinrich -- 26.7 mpg 7.2 ppg 6.0 rpg 1.0 bpg
Scarlett -- 23.5 mpg 6.2 ppg 6.6 rpg 1.0 bpg
Seniors
Seniors Michael Brewton and Robert Robbins leave Case Western as the team continues its rebuilding process. After a solid junior campaign in which the team made its first post season appearance in 9 years, the seniors led the young team to a record of 8-20, including an upset win over Hamilton in the opening round of the conference tournament. "It's been a rough year for us, but the young guys coming in played hard. They've got a good future and I'm glad I could play a part in helping them get Case Western back to contender status in the Upstate," Brewton said. Case will lose a lot of offensive production, as Brewton and Robbins were the only two players to average double figures in points.
This season, Robbins saw significantly more touches on offense and a lot more minutes on the floor. From his junior to senior years, his numbers drastically increased, with 8.5 more mpg, 5.8 more ppg and 2.7 more rpg in his senior year. The team will have to deal with the loss of his solid rebounding ability.
Brewton handled most of the scoring load this year, a task he embraced as the year progressed. A victim of double teams, Brewton was still able to slightly increase most of his individual statistics. He leaves Case after starting 89 of 112 games. He leaves a grand canyon-like void at the small forward position, as walk on sophomore Norman Burke has fizzled as a back-up. "Brewton is one of the most talented all around players I've coached. He knew the system well. We'll miss him," Coach ampbyu said.
Robbins -- 28.3 mpg 10.5 ppg 7.5 rpg 79.3% FT
Brewton -- 31.8 mpg 16.6 ppg 3.0 rpg 2.9 apg 83.0% FT
Outlook for Next Season
A lot will ride on Coach ampbyu's success this recruiting season. Case Western will need another post player as well as a swingman and a player that can rule the perimeter.
Returning are starters Steven Walko, Matthew Thornsberry, Stephen Heinrich and Stanley Scarlett. Walko will look to bolster his offensive production with the loss of Michael Brewton, and could very well be a threat to post the first triple-double of his career. Thornsberry has his work cut out for him this off-season, as he looks to polish his long range jumper. He will have to bear the load on the perimeter with the void of Brewton. A lot rides on who ampbyu can lure to Case. Heinrich and Scarlett will look to improve shot selection down low, as their shooting percentages were lackluster at best this season. The future looks bright for them as they work to improve.
Although the upcoming season could round out better than this year's 8-20 campaign, expect Case to struggle again. A .500 record would be optimal for this young club. Realistically, Case should truly contend for a conference title in seasons 22 and 23, as Heinrich, Thornsberry and Scarlett continue to improve and the new freshmen and sophomores establish themselves. Coach ampbyu remains optimistic. "We're definitely cognizant of the talent in this league and where we're at right now. Do I believe in us? Of course. Will we contend? We'll try our darndest."
Steven Walko -- 31.4 mpg 8.3 ppg 5.1 apg 4.3 rpg
On Tap for Next Year
Home
Montclair St.
Cabrini
Lycoming
Carnegie Mellon
St. Joseph's (NY)
Away
Albertus Magnus
Medgar Evers
U.S. Merchant Marines
U.S. Coast Guard
Scranton