VIKINGS FACE CHALLENGES IN 2023-24

Blanchat Only Returnee, Campbell top Newcomer

By Staff

LINDSBORG – On paper it looks like a near complete overhaul for the Smoky Valley boys basketball program as they lose eight seniors but yet return the leading scorer from a 2022-23 team that finished 11-10.

Coach Doug Schneider begins his thirteenth season directing the Viking program and looks at a near full rebuilt heading into the upcoming 2023-24 season.

“Look, we graduated eight seniors and that included four starters,” pointed out coach Schneider. “But we do return last season’s leading scorer plus we added a transfer who was one of the best in the league a year ago.”

What the Vikings return as the only returning starter or player with a lot of playing experience is Kian Blanchat, a six-foot-four senior guard who led the team in scoring with 10.7 points per game while also grabbing 3.5 rebounds and passing out 2.0 assists per game as well.

What the Vikings were handed to them is a transfer from Lyons. Taylor Campbell is joining the team as another six-foot-four guard who, like Blanchat, was second-team all-league last season. As a junior in Lyons, Campbell averaged 16.2 points, 7.1 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game.

Talking about the roster, coach Schneider added, “We will be looking to develop several young players who have limited varsity playing time. Several young players will need to step up and aid our all-league players, Kian (Blanchat) and Taylor (Campbell). A lot will be expected of both of them as they both averaged double digits in scoring last season. They will both be called upon to be the leaders both offensively and defensively.”

Three seniors whom coach Schneider is counting on at the beginning of the season for contributions will be Brayden Eyer, Mason Halcom, and Samuel Peterson.

Schneider addressed the strength’s and weaknesses of the team when he stated, “The strength will be our shooting ability as both Blanchat and Campbell are proven deep threats who also bring athleticism to their games. Both will be called upon to do a number of things for this team as other players develop early to make the season successful. Out weakness at the start will be interior scoring, something we will need to develop throughout the year as we do not bring back any post players who played consistent minutes.”

Concluding his pre-season reflections, coach Schneider said, “Our goal is to be competitive in every game with hopes to finish in the top four of the Sterling Invitational and place in the top five in the Central Kansas League as well. The league is tough with defending Class 3A State Champion Hesston, Haven, and Pratt.”

The Vikings open their 2023-24 schedule on Friday, December 1 on the road at Abilene before making their home debut on Tuesday, December 5 when they host Southeast of Saline.

SMOKY VALLEY VIKING BASKETBALL

2023-24 SEASON PREVIEW

COACH INFORMATION >

Head Coach > Doug Schneider – 13th Season = 107-152 overall – former head coach at Marion, 1995-97, 11 seasons as Viking assistant.

VIKING TEAM INFORMATION >

2022-23 Season > 11-10 overall = 5-4, finished 5th in Central Kansas League = Lost to Norton in Sub-State.

VIKING INDIVIDUAL INFORMATION >

Graduated > 8 seniors.

Key Returnee >

Kian Blanchat – sr. 6’4” G = 10.7 pts/g = 3.5 rebs/g = 2.0 asst/g.

Other Key Returnees >

Brayden Eyer – sr. 5’9” G

Mason Halcom – sr. 6’0” F

Samuel Peterson – sr. 6’0” F

Key Newcomer >

Taylor Campbell – sr. 6’4” G = Transfer from Lyons = 16.2 pts/g = 7.1 rebs/g = 3.3 asst/g.

VIKING 2023-24 SCHEDULE >

Friday, December 1 > at Abilene

Tuesday, December 5 > hosting Southeast of Saline

Friday, December 8 > at Concordia

Tuesday, December 12 > hosting Hesston

Friday, December 15 > at Halstead

Tuesday, January 2 > hosting Hoisington

Tuesday, January 9 > hosting Hillsboro

Friday, January 12 > at Larned

Monday, January 15 to Friday, January 19 > at Sterling Invitational

Tuesday, January 23 > at Hutchinson Trinity

Friday, January 26 > hosting Clay Center

Tuesday, January 30 > at Lyons

Friday, February 2 > hosting Nickerson

Tuesday, February 6 > at Hoisington

Friday, February 9 > hosting Haven

Tuesday, February 13 > at Pratt

Friday, February 17 > at Hesston

Tuesday, February 20 > hosting Halstead

Monday, February 26 to Saturday, March 2 > Sub-State Playoffs, TBD

Wednesday, March 6 to Saturday, March 9 > State Tournament

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