Boys Basketball: Lafayette Hopes to Overcome Loss of Messer

The good news for the Lafayette boy's basketball team is that they return four starters from a 17-11 team that finished second in the Suburban West Conference to Oakville (8-0) with a 7-1 mark.

The bad news is that the one missing player was a three-year starter and is now a Division I player. Michael Messer was one of the area's top shooting guards last winter. He hit 53.7 percent of his field goals, 41 percent of his 3-pointers and 81 percent of his free throws while averaging almost 21 points per game. Messer is now at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville.

"We have been fortunate in the past to have that go-to player," Lafayette head coach Scott Allen said. "Michael fit that role for us. When we needed a basket we looked to Michael. Before that we had Tyler Giffey and Matt Lawrence. We will try collectively to try to fill that void."

The Lancers do have some players who could eventually fill that go-to role with junior Joel Pennington and senior Aareon Smith leading the way.

Pennington, a 5-foot, 11-inch point guard, was a second-team all-conference performer last year when he averaged 7.8 points per game. He led the Lancers in assists and also was a good 3-point shooter (42.5%).

"I think this could be a breakout year for Joel," Allen said. "He does a good job of running the team and he likes to score as well."

Smith, a 6-foot, 4-inch forward, averaged 7.7  points per game while leading the Lancers in rebounds and steals last season. he was an honorable mention all-conference pick.

"Aareon will be a key player for us and he has also done a good job in being a leader," Allen said.

Juniors Nick Messer and Luke Kreienkamp are the other returning starters.

Messer, Michael's younger brother, is a 6-foot, 3-inch guard who averaged over six points a game last season.

"Nick has been with us since he was a freshman although he was just cleared to play coming off hip surgery," Allen said. "He has a different game than his brother but should be a key player for us."

The 6-foot, 7-inch Kreinenkamp gives the Lancers an inside presence at the post.

"Luke is a good athlete who can score around the basket," Allen said. "He is a tough guy. I think he drew 34 charges last year."

Senior guard Will Montgomery will likely be the other starter in Allen's Princeton system.

"This is year two of this system and the guys seem to be grasping what we are trying to do," Allen said. "So far they have been very coachable and done what we have asked. This is a team which I believe has the potential to contend for both a conference and a district championship."