The bison boys basketball team is looking to build off a very successful 2022 season that resulted in a District Championship. 

However, the roster will look tremendously different than it did last season, as last year’s district championship team was full of seniors.

“Last season was a season for the ages, but we are an entirely different team with a brand new roster,” Coach David Krasnow said. “We had three elite players last year whose combined  average was 50 points a game (Nate Lurie, Noah Page and Josh Jones).” 

“Those are some very big shoes to fill, but I believe we have the chance to fill them,” he added. “I believe we have seven guys who have the potential to average double figures.” 

With the loss of all these impactful players, including a 1000-point career scorer in Nate Lurie, the team will need players to contribute not only on the court, but also in leadership roles. 

Senior captain Daniel Rub is doing all he can to step up and lead the team

“I feel like being the only player on the team who has been a part of the program now for four years, I have earned a certain level of respect and that comes with a big leadership role, and I’m excited to be a captain and help the younger guys develop and mature,” Rub said. “After losing almost everyone from last year, it has completely changed the roster. I feel like even though we are inexperienced, we still have a lot of talent and could do good this year.” 

Coach Krasnow has confidence in Rub.

“Daniel Rub is a senior who has watched and learned,” Krasnow said. “He has worked so hard. I keep telling him it is his time. I am excited to see what he can be.” 

Another player who is fully expecting an increased role is junior Nick Reese. A talented shooter with little varsity experience throughout his first two seasons of high school basketball, his hard work has certainly propelled him into a spot for a successful season. 

“Nick Reese has lived in the weight room and worked so hard on his game,” Krasnow said.

With the combination of needing new guys to fill roles in the starting lineup, this hard work certainly puts him in a good place to earn many important minutes throughout the season.  

In addition, Reese knows that with a largely new young roster, he will need to be a leader on the team. 

“I look forward to getting better and being a better leader for my team,” he said. “Even though [last year’s] seniors are gone I still believe we can have an impact as a team.” 

Robert Friedman is also a senior who is likely to start this year. He brings a physical presence to the team and will serve as one of the bison’s big men in the paint.

In addition to these upperclassmen, there are three sophomores showing promise for the upcoming season.

“We have three talented sophomores in Jayden Koonce, CJ Payton and Larry Clark,” Krasnow said. “Last year was challenging for all three guys, but they have grown physically and mentally, and are ready to contribute in a big way.” 

Even though the Bison come into the season without much experience, there are multiple players who know that their time is now.

While many on the team have yet to get a real taste of varsity basketball at the highest level, this does not decrease the expectations that this team will have given the reputation Beachwood basketball has developed under Krasnow’s coaching. 

“We are looking to build on last year because we know what is possible,” Krasnow said. “We talked about competing for a district championship, and now we know what it takes.” 

“We loved playing big games with the crowd and the pressure, and we believe we can compete against anyone,” he added. “Our goal is to make a final four, and I believe that is possible.”

The Bison look to rely on their strengths on the court this season, and it seems as if a main strength will be perimeter shooting. 

With Daniel Rub, Nick Reese, Jayden Kooce, Cj Payton, and players like Jacob Thomas the opponents will certainly have to respect this aspect of Beachwood’s game. 

“This team may be a better outside shooting team than last year,” Krasnow said. “So I am thinking we have the chance to be more balanced.” 

“I think teams will sleep on us and we have the chance to have a very good season,” he added. “I encourage everyone to come and watch us play… These young men are working hard and we would appreciate all the support we can get.” 

The season will tip off on Dec. 2 at home against Geneva.