ROSSFORD — For the last 12 years, Jonathan Reitz has been an assistant basketball coach at Rossford, winning a Northern Buckeye Conference championship three of the last four years.
Last year’s team went 21-5 overall, losing to Van Wert in the Division II regional tournament at Bowling Green State University’s Stroh Center. The Bulldogs were a perfect 14-0 in the NBC.
Now, as Reitz takes over for Brian Vorst, whose son, 6-foot-11 Derek Vorst has graduated and is now playing for Indiana State University, a new chapter begins. Reitz has zero letter winners returning.
“We don’t return any letterwinners so we are short on experience,” Reitz said. “We have a group that is hungry and looking to make a mark.
“Gaining experience and confidence will be key along with learning to play together. Competing each and every time we step on the court is a main thing for us.”
Reitz says the strength of his team will be shooting, guard play and perimeter defense. Inexperience, rebounding, and post play will be the areas his team will need to overcome.
Reitz does feel like Rossford has the talent to compete in senior forward Xavier Kellermeir, senior guard Anthony Quintanilla, freshman guard John Fox, and freshman guard Parker Theobalds.
Kellermeir and Quintanilla got limited varsity team behind a talent-filled squad last year, but were starters on the junior varsity.
Fox, Theobalds, and Quintanilla will take over in the backcourt.
“Anthony creates a great presence on the perimeter knocking down shots along with being a vocal leader,” Reitz said.
“Parker and John can create on the dribble and knock down jump shots. They all handle the ball well.”
Reitz says Kellermeir is a “good slasher when going downhill, good rebounder and able to push it up the floor to start the offense.”
Plus, Reitz adds, Quintanilla and Kellermeir “put in the work in the offseason improving their skill set and ready to make a mark.”
As freshmen, Fox and Theobalds are bringing in new faces that Reitz hopes he can build on.
“They play high-level AAU and work hard in the offseason improving,” Reitz said. “They have a good understanding of the game and their role on the court.”
Reitz believes his team can finish in the “middle of the pack” in the NBC.
“We are inexperienced and will take some time getting used to each other along with gaining the experience of playing varsity basketball,” Reitz said.
“Competition is good. Genoa and Oak Harbor will be very good and well-coached. I would expect some competitive games from everyone.”
