Russia and Jackson Center boys tip off SCAL

Russia versus Jackson Center was a thriller last season in November and March

Shelby County Athletic League boys basketball tips off the 2023-2024 season this Friday night and opening the schedule is a battle of last year's league co-champions. Both Russia and Jackson Center were tied atop the 2022-2023 standings at 11-1. You might recall the Raiders beat the Tigers at their home opener the Friday following Thanksgiving in a nail biter 42-41. Later, the Tigers thumped the Raiders at their habitat on January 6th by the score of 65-53. After splitting their series, the two rivals played a rubber match at the regional final on March 10th in Kettering Fairmont's Trent Arena. It was a thrilling defensive battle that culminated with Russia handing Jackson Center just their second defeat of the entire season 27-25. Between the Tiger's bookend losses were 26 wins that resulted in a final record of 26-2. Russia advanced to the state tournament and bowed out in the semifinals versus Richmond Heights to wrap up their record at 25-4. 

JC's Reed Platfoot is one to watch

This Friday will begin a new era for Jackson Center. For starters, former head coach Scott Elchert retired after a school record 375 wins in 23 years at the helm. Highlighting his resume were state tournament appearances in 2012 and 2016, as well as five trips to the regional final in the last ten seasons. Taking over the reins is Aaron Klopfenstein, who's a familiar face with Tiger fans. Klopfenstein was coached by Elchert in 2009 and 2010, in addition to being on his staff the last five years. 

Maybe the new coach's biggest challenge will be replacing eight graduates in Jace Mullenhour, Nolan Fark, Camdyn Reese, Grant Elchert, Bryson Roberts, Kellen Reichert, Trevor Huber and Landon Reese. However, the well isn't exactly dry as last year's roster included five underclassman in Lucas Hartle, Xavier Lowe, Reed Platfoot, Lucas Heitkamp and Cooper Hartle. Finding that new chemistry might require some experimenting, but scheduling only one game on opening weekend and playing it at home is ideal for Coach Klopfenstein's program. Unfortunately, that matchup is against the Russia Raiders.

Anyone that doesn't have Russia circled as one of the potential top Division IV teams in Ohio is probably connected to head coach Spencer Cordonnier's program. As last season's interim head coach, Cordonnier handled an emotional situation with a father-like approach after the preseason passing of head coach Dave Borchers. The Raiders enjoyed all their success with hard work and perhaps an even-tempered attitude while never forgetting Coach Borchers throughout the campaign. 

The 2023-2024 Russia Raiders

It's often said the talent pool at small schools sometimes comes in waves. If that's true, the tsunami Shelby County saw coming slammed tiny Russia in 2022 and the water hasn't receded yet. There's another saying that success breeds success. After a Russia state baseball championship in the spring of 2022, many of those same boys were 2023 state basketball semifinalist and 2023 state baseball runner-up. By the way, the Russia golf team advanced to the state tournament this fall for the first time in school history and four of those players are on this winter's basketball team.

Heading into this weekend, the biggest departures Raider Nation should be concerned about are four-year starters Xavier Phlipot and Zane Shappie. Along with the graduations of Ross Fiessinger and Colby Monnin, there's certainly a leadership component that fans don't witness in the locker room and at daily practice. However, Coach Cordonnier is blessed to have lots of additional experience and talent back beginning with seniors Hayden Quinter, Brayden Monnin and Felix Francis. The junior class is also stacked and includes Braylon Cordonnier, Vince Borchers, Benjamin York, Zeb Schulze, Jaxon Grogean, Dominic Francis and Landon Pleiman. That roster no doubt has plenty of capable leaders to watch for as the season develops.

For interested folks unable to make the trip to Jackson Center on Friday, you can listen live to the action on ScoresBroadcast.com or watch on NKTelco Sports PPV. Russia will also be back on the court Saturday at St. Henry with the audio broadcast on WCSM.

Last year's season opener between the Raiders and Tigers started with a prayer