Petermann, Krueger provide scoring
By Erik Buchinger
The Clintonville High School boys’ basketball team will bring back its top two players from last season in hopes of taking home a regional championship.
Senior forward Tyler Petermann was named first team all-conference last year and averaged 19 points per game, while senior forward Nate Krueger was selected as honorable mention with an average of 15.9 points per game.
The two have been teammates for multiple years now, as Petermann will enter his fourth season on varsity, and Krueger will be in his third year.
“With two guys, obviously it makes you a little bit tougher to guard,” head coach Shawn Howe said. “With having that extra person out there, you can’t just focus on one guy. We talked about them as a double-headed monster for our team.”
The two players bring a different skill set to the team, as Petermann can be used as a guard and swingman, whereas Krueger plays most of his game in the post.
“Nate’s really fun to play with,” Petermann said. “We work really well together, we have great chemistry together and were kind of each other’s opposites in terms of playing, so it’s really nice that we get to complement each other when we play.”
Krueger said it is nice to play with Petermann, who can score and create scoring opportunities for Krueger.
“It’s fun having someone to rely on to score the ball continuously and a guy that can get me the ball to score,” Krueger said. “It’s a good thing.”
With two players getting most of the defense’s attention, it leaves opportunities for other players on the floor, according to Howe.
“Nate and Tyler are going to create some really good scoring opportunities for some other guys on the floor because of their presence out there,” Howe said. “I think if we can buy into that and guys make plays, I think we’ll be alright. It’s not going to put so much pressure on Tyler and Nate, and it’s just going to make us a tougher team.”
Among the team goals include a regional championship this season, according to Howe.
“I think a regional championship would be nice,” Howe said. “I think that would be our goal that we want to strive for – to compete for a regional. I think if we can play as a team and defend a little bit, I think we’ll at least have a chance to.”
Petermann said he has been seeking a regional title for four years.
“Personally, I really don’t care what happens for me in terms of accomplishments, but as a team, I’ve been looking to get that regional plaque since my freshman year,” Petermann said. “I just hope that we can accomplish a lot as a team.”