Flat Rock's Junge heads list of contenders for Player of the Year

Graham Junge knows how to score.

The Flat Rock junior averaged nearly 17 points per game last season in earning a spot on the all-region boys basketball team.

But Junge doesn’t have to score to impact a game.

A perfect case in point came last year in a Ram victory in one of the toughest places in the Monroe County Region to win – St. Mary Catholic Central’s Brother Gerontius Memorial Gymnasium.

“He had no points, but 13 assists and 5 rebounds,” said Flat Rock coach Rick Smith. “That’s how Graham is. He will do whatever it takes to win, whether it’s shooting the ball or making assists.

“What people don’t realize is that he has great hands on defense. Even though we don’t put that on him, he could guard the other team’s best player and handle it well.”

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Junge doesn’t thrill crowds with highlight-reel plays. He simply makes the right plays.

“He is a film-room junkie,” Smith said. “He is so prepared every game.

“Until you are around him every day and go through the practices, you don’t realize all the things he does.”

Andrew Hollinger of Bedford, last year’s Region Player of the Year, has graduated leaving the door open for someone else to step up as the Region’s best.

Junge is a top candidate. Here are some of the other contenders in alphabetical order:

Tyler Dafoe, Summerfield, junior: An All-Region player who averaged 14.4 points per game as a sophomore and was one of the top defenders for the Bulldogs. “A phenomenal two-way player,” Summerfield coach Phil Schiffler said. “He shot the ball at an extremely high clip (last season) and guarded the opposing team’s best player every night.

Hunter DeBarr, Whiteford, senior: Getting a late start in basketball after playing for Whiteford in the state football finals Saturday. He brings a lot of athleticism to the court and averaged 7.5 points per game last season.

Ian Foster, SMCC, junior: Will be counted on to direct the Falcon offense this season after averaging 6.9 points per game in 2022-23. “Ian Foster is one of the top point guards in the Region,” SMCC coach Randy Windham said.

Alex Gillum, Flat Rock senior: Made the All-Region team as a sophomore, averaging 7.9 points, 7.9 rebounds and 4 assists per game, then missed all of last season with a knee injury. “Instantly makes our team better, especially on defense,” Flat Rock coach Rick Smith said.

Ish Hakki, Bedford, sophomore: Made the varsity as a freshman, but didn’t see a lot of playing time on a senior-dominated team. “Ish Hakki has the potential to be and explosive scorer,” Bedford coach Jordan Bollin said.

Jackson Iocoangeli, Erie Mason, senior: Showed potential last season, scoring in double figures five times including a career-high 21 against Summerfield. Hit 15 3-pointers.

Lukas Johnson, Monroe, senior: Scored in double figures in 11 games last season and finished with an average of 9 points per game, earning a special mention on the All-Region team. “Lukas is our go-to player when we need a bucket,” Monroe coach Larry Middleton said. “He can play inside and outside and can be strong rebounder.”

Kyle Kantola, New Boston Huron, senior: Was an All-Region special mention choice last season after averaging 11.2 points per game. He was second on the team with 12 3-pointers.

Ethan Layton, Dundee, senior: A four-year varsity player who is poised to make a big leap forward as a senior. “We are asking a lot of him this season--and he has been a true leader in every aspect of the game,” Dundee coach Jay Haselschwerdt said.

Matthew MacBride, Gibraltar Carlson, junior: Forced his way into a veteran Carlson lineup last season as a sophomore and wound up averaging 6.1 points per game and hit 10 3-pointers.

Brett Moore, Airport, senior: Led the Jets in 3-point shooting last season, nailing 36 shots from beyond the arc. He averaged 8.1 points per game. “Brett Moore has shot the ball well and his defense continues to make him valuable at both ends of the court,” Airport coach Jason Ruhlig said.

Tim Murphy, Flat Rock, senior: Made the All-Region team last season with averages of 10 points and 7 rebounds per game. “Tim Murphy has improved so much of the summer beside being a really good post player he has worked on his perimeter game really hard,” Flat Rock coach Rick Smith said.

Colin Nowak, Airport, senior: Should step into a larger role this season after averaging 7.1 points per game last year. “He has range for us, but can balance it with a quick first step on the drive,” Airport coach Jason Ruhlig said.

Trey Oldenburg, Jefferson, sophomore: Joined Jefferson at midseason last year after being homeschooled previously. He scored in double figures four times and averaged 8.25 points per game. Bears coach Corey Wiley praised his “high basketball IQ.”

Evan Parker, Whiteford, senior: Has the ability to score inside and out. He averaged 16.8 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2 assists per game last season in making the All-Region team. “I am looking for him to have a great year,” Whiteford coach Nick Abalos said. “He is a four-year player on the varsity and has really improved his game.”

Jackson Raasch, Milan, senior: Milan’s only varsity returner from last year. He should make a big leap from his average of 4.5 points per game a year ago.

Carter Ryan, Bedford, junior: The son of Bedford girls basketball coach Bill Ryan is a very smart player and an outstanding defender. “Carter Ryan will garner the responsibility of defending the other team’s top players,” Bedford coach Jordan Bollin said.

Lucis Rzepa, Monroe, senior: Averaged 7.7 points per game in 2022, earning special mention All-Region. “Lucis is one of our best defenders,” Monroe coach Larry Middleton said. “He does a great job handling the ball for us and getting us in our sets and is one of our top 3-point shooters.”

AJ Schrader, Ida, senior: Enters his third year as a varsity starter after earning special mention on the All-Region team by averaging 10.8 points per game last season. “He should build on the great season he had last year,” Ida coach Jared Karner said.

Buddy Snodgrass, SMCC senior: Averaged a double-double of 12.6 points and 10.5 rebounds last season in earning a spot on the All-Region team.

Braiden Whitaker, Dundee, senior: One of the Region’s most dynamic athletes. He earned a spot on the All-Region team by leading his team with averages of 18 points, 9.1 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game. “He is a beast,” Dundee coach Jay Haselschwerdt said. “It is a gift to coach a player of his talent, skill, and attitude.”

Xavier Wise, Erie Mason, senior: Mason loves to shoot 3-pointers and Wise has good range from the outside. He was third on the team with 31 triples last season and averaged 8.5 points per game.

Cooper Worley, State Line, junior: Averaged 8.4 points a game last year, but will be asked to play a much larger role following the loss of last year’s top two scorers. “Coper is a big shot maker,” State Line coach Nathan Nash said. “I’m excited to see his growth as he becomes stronger and develops into a leader this season.”

Jackson Zachary, Gibraltar Carlson, senior: A great athlete coming off a strong season in football. He figures to play a big role for the Marauders this season.

This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Vote now for Monroe County Region's top boys basketball player