The New Franklin boys return speed and scoring power as the Bulldogs will try to recapture a 20-plus win season and a district title under the direction of a new head coach.

The Bulldogs finished 15-12 a year ago after 24 and 25 wins the previous two seasons. The year started well, but collapsed as the team lost seven of its final eight games, including a 61-59 loss to Smithton in the opening round of the district tournament.

Key losses to graduation include Rylan Hundley, Xander McGruder, and Bacchus Lemberger.

Cory Nicholson moves into his first head coaching position after serving as assistant coach the past two years under Jim Schlotzhauer.

“I liked the idea of taking the job because I know these boys a lot,” Nicholson said about taking over as head coach. “I love the game of basketball. Coming out of school, I wanted to be a basketball coach. But what really sold me was this group of guys that I’ve known and I’ve gotten to coach. I just really like these kids.”

Moving up from assistant coach also eliminates the adjustment period of unfamiliarity as players learn a new system. Nicholson’s style will be much the same as New Franklin has been playing for the last several years: fast, run-and-gun offense with lots of transition scoring. And on defense, zone and man-to-man defensive pressure.

Nicholson will rely on his returning starters to lead the team into a new era. First and foremost is Caden Schlotzhauer, a talented senior who scored 16.1 points a game last year.

Nicholson expects Schlotzhauer to again pace the Bulldogs in scoring this season. “He can really fill it up. He’s one of those guys who can get hot in a hurry. We’ve talked to him about expanding his game, making him a little more all-around on offense, taking some more high-quality shots. He’s progressing really well right now, and I think he’ll be a guy who can get up into that 25- and 30-point range sometimes.”

Starting senior point guard Lane Hackman returns after scoring 6.5 points and dishing out 4.9 assists a year ago. “He’s extremely intelligent, quick, and a great passer,” Nicholson said. “He’s a guy who always likes to set up other people, so he’s definitely a true point guard. A good dribbler and a team leader. Kind of everything you want.”

Sophomore Noah Hackman is expected to return to the starting rotation along with classmate Jonah Bishop, and seniors Landon Shaw and Nolan McGowan. The starting lineup will draw from those six players, fluctuating based on opponents.

Nicholson called Noah Hackman a very gifted scorer and a good defender. “He’s going to be a really good player.”

Bishop returns as one of the team’s best perimeter shooters. “Jonah is an excellent shooter,” Nicholson said. “With the ability to have Lane and Caden get downhill—they’re both good at driving the basket—Jonah is the perfect complement to those two. He’s very good when he gets his feet set. He’s growing a little bit and has gotten quicker, and I think his athleticism is definitely going to be something that helps us this year. I think he’ll be a big player for us.”

Bishop and McGowan will likely split time in the starting lineup based on matchups. McGowan brings hustle and strong defense. “He’s going to be our guy to take some charges. He’s kind of our greedy defensive guy,” Nicholson said.

New Franklin also returns some size in the paint. At 6’4, Landon Shaw will be a crucial inside presence with his height and athleticism.

“He can really jump. He’s a good player,” Nicholson said. “He’s going to be our shot blocker at the rim and a rebounder. He can also run the floor for us, too. I think Landon will have a big senior year.

“He can stretch it out, too, which I think helps make the team a little more dangerous,” Nicholson said, adding that Shaw can also step out and knock down a three.

On defense, Lane Hackman will likely draw the toughest assignment night in and night out. While not the tallest on the team, Nicholson said he’s the most physical and smartest defender who stays out of foul trouble. “He’s got good feet and doesn’t reach.”

Off the bench, New Franklin will see front-court depth from sophomores Quincy Dorson and Elyas Brown. Nicholson said they are both big kids who have the ability to step out and shoot. “They’re smart kids who can rebound and can guard. I think those two will factor.”

Senior Haven singleton will step in at the guard position off the bench. “He’ll be a good depth piece for us,” Nicholson said.

The Bulldogs will tap their athleticism to fuel their run-and-gun style. “We’ve got some athletes,” Nicholson said. “I want to try to push the ball and run the floor. We’ve been really preaching getting the outlet pass and going. Running the floor, spacing the floor. Just trying to push the ball. Anytime you’re a small school and you’ve got a group of athletes, you have to try to use it.”

New Franklin averaged around 54 points a game a year ago while allowing 46. Nicholson said he wants to push that nightly scoring average to around 70 points.

Defensively, Nicholson does not expect to run a full-court press for 32 minutes a game; rather, his team will be aggressive but smart, looking to create turnovers and steal the ball. “We’re not going to be stupid or reckless about it. We’re probably going to try to slow people down.”

Having a core of starters all with varsity experience from last season will help the Bulldogs survive a challenging schedule. Those players all sat behind a group of seniors two years ago that dominated for three years. Nicholson hopes this season, his players will blossom into leaders.

“We started off hot, we just kind of collapsed there at the end,” Nicholson said about last season. “Some of those games we could have won at the end.”

Now, with those starters returning as upperclassmen in their own right, the Bulldogs look to make a splash. The Bulldogs debuted on Saturday against Columbia Independent School at the Saints Shootout hosted by Central Christian College of the Bible. After leading by three at halftime, New Franklin exploded in the third quarter and went on to win 69-40.

On Tuesday, after the Advertiser went to press, New Franklin traveled to Crest Ridge for a 6:45 p.m. tipoff.

Next week, the Bulldogs return to the historic Glasgow Tournament, which is stacked with some of the immediate area’s best teams, including defending champion Harrisburg, Westran, Cairo, and the home team. New Franklin drew the fifth seed and will face Cairo in the late game on Monday, which tips off at 9 p.m.

The two teams faced one another in the first round of last year’s tournament when New Franklin was the third seed. Cairo pulled a one-point upset, 66-65.

“The Glasgow Tournament is a gauntlet,” Nicholson said. “Especially this year. I think the top half of that tournament is going to be loaded. It’s a competitive tournament.”

Looking deeper into the schedule, Nicholson said he’s looking forward to playing Slater, which won last year’s matchups on the way to a CAC title. This year, he noted Glasgow is probably the team to beat in the conference. The teams play in New Franklin on Jan. 13, just after the New Franklin Tournament, and in Glasgow on Feb. 19 to close the regular season.

Nicholson also points to a neutral-site game against Meadville at Hy-Vee Arena in Kansas City on Dec. 19 for the 12 Courts of Christmas. The Eagles return many of their players from last year’s 17-win season.

“They’re an athletic team with a good history,” he said. “I think that will be a game to keep your eye on.”

Other challenges this season include games against Harrisburg and Fatima.

And even with Glasgow and Slater, Nicholson thinks his team is in the mix to contend for a conference championship this year.

“I’m excited for the season,” Nicholson said. “I think we have a good squad, and I’m excited for people to see us.”