sports@standard-democrat.com
ESSEX -- If the Richland Rebels want to improve on last season's 6-17 mark they'll have to replace one of the most physically imposing players in southeast Missouri.
Lost to graduation after a 87-47 loss to Leopold in the Class 1, District 2 semifinals was the 6-11 Richard Forshee, who averaged 21 points, 13 rebounds and four blocks per game his senior season.
"He was a big part of our offense," Richland head coach Matt Cline said of Forshee. "We kind of catered around to him a little bit. We did press full court and I like to press and get up and down the floor.
"There were times we didn't do that. He was a big part of our offense and I figured we'd wait on him."
Though Forshee's loss leaves a big hole to fill, Cline is hoping their ability to run a faster style of offense will help offset the transition. They'll return three regulars from last year's team, including juniors Skyler Harper and Marcus Greyson and senior Adam Wayne.
"Skyler will probably be our leading ball-handler," Cline said. "Marcus is a big scoring threat and we return Adam Wayne, who's a good leader."
Joining them will be pair of freshman Cline expects to see plenty of varsity time in Josh Thorton and Preston Tilley.
"We're young and pretty inexperienced," Cline said. "They're working hard in practice. It's tough to lose a big kid like that, but at the same time now you can maybe utilize your quickness a little better."
Richland will open up the year Monday when they take part in the Oran Invitational Tournament.