2022-2023 Russia Boys Basketball Preview

Interim head coach and 1995 Russia graduate Spencer Cordonnier returns to the helm after previously running the program for three seasons from 2015-2018. During that time Cordonnier tallied a record of 55 wins and 19 losses. That win percentage of 74.3% leads all boys coaches in school history. The past four seasons Cordonnier served as varsity assistant to head coach Dave Borchers, who passed away unexpectedly back in October. 

Returning to the staff as well is varsity assistant Brad Francis. Francis was a former Russia assistant under coach Paul Bremigan when the Raiders enjoyed a long run of success, including their 2002 appearance in the state finals. Familiar faces complete the remainder of the staff with Cody Anthony directing the junior varsity team and Mick Leffel the freshman. The 2022-2023 season will no doubt be full of emotion for the coaches and players.

Borchers and Cordonnier were already working on the new season back in July

Graduated from last season are Jordan Meyer, Patrick Bohman, and Sam York.

Russia returns all five starters this season, including 3-year lettermen and seniors Xavier Phlipot and Zane Shappie. Phlipot has started for the Raiders his entire high school career and last year averaged 9 points per game with a season high of 20 points in Russia's sectional championship win over Newton. Shappie is back at point guard for his fourth year after averaging 8 points per game last season. Zane is 2nd-team All-SCAL honoree and will be a big key to running the Raider offense.

Two additional seniors should come off the bench. Ross Fiessinger saw steady playing time last year averaging 5 points per game with a season high of 15. Also, 6-foot-3 Colby Monnin spent the bulk of his junior year playing on the JV team, but appeared in seven varsity games and will give the Raiders some much-needed size underneath the basket.

Returning junior starters include Hayden Quinter and Brayden Monnin. Quinter is a two-year letterman and team MVP who led Russia in scoring last year at 10 points per game. Hayden has the proven ability to rack up points from all over the court and got Raiders fans on their feet several times last season with some thunderous dunks. Monnin joined the varsity team late in the season during his freshman campaign and as a sophomore averaged 10 points per game. Brayden is a 2nd-team All-SCAL honoree and regarded as one of the better defenders in the league, often assigned to guard the other team's best player.

Hayden Quinter slammed a few home on his opponents as a sophomore

Rounding out the junior class are two 6-foot-5 weapons that played on the JV team last year and will come off the bench this season. Felix Francis should have an immediate impact in the Raiders rotation and can play close to the rim with his long wingspan. Ben Rindele will target playing time beginning in December as he recovers from an injury.

One sophomore starter is back and he looks to be one of the brightest young stars in the league. 6-foot-4 Braylon Cordonnier averaged 9 points per game last year, but really blossomed late in the schedule scoring a season high 20 points in one contest.

Also, look for sophomore Vince Borchers to be a regular in the Raiders lineup. Borchers worked on his point guard skills last year with the junior varsity and will give starting point guard Zane Shappie some much needed rest.

Other sophomores include: Jaxson Grogean, Zeb Schulze, and Benjamin York. Expect those three players to begin the season maximizing their nightly playing time on both the JV and varsity squads.

The new season tips off on Friday, November 25th at Clair C Naveau Gymnasium hosting the Jackson Center Tigers. Russia fans interested in following the team all season long and unable to attend have several options. You can watch home games live with an NKTelco subscription and listen to away games for free on Fish Report. Stay tuned to the Fish Report website daily for details.