The Marian boys basketball team will feature a more guard-oriented style of play in 2017.

Brandon Mohammed (6-5) and Ryan Karchner (6-3) have graduated after the two formed one of the top frontcourts both in the Schuylkill League and Times News area last season. Marian’s ability to pound the ball into the paint helped it to a 21-5 record and a District 11 2A Championship – its first since 2011.

Mohammed (15.88 points per game), who was the 2016 Times News Player of the Year, and his low-post mate Karchner (7.62 ppg), combined for 24 of Marian’s 58 points per game, and even more importantly, combined for 20 rebounds per game.

Marian head coach John Patton knows that replacing them won’t be easy, but there are viable options available. Patton is hoping that the team’s returning experience in the backcourt — coupled with potential from newcomers in the post — can help the Colts get back to the playoffs.

“Obviously, we lost our top big men, but we had some other seniors as well that were a big part of our success, especially on the defensive side of the ball, that we’re really going to miss,” said Patton. “It’s going to be a post player by committee approach where we’re going to play three to four guys, and then of course we’re excited about (Tyler) Fritz and (Noah) Stauffer with the experience and ability they’re going to bring to our guard spots.”

The key will be to find the right rotation early on, because these guys haven’t really played many varsity minutes together.”

The rotation will be led by the returning backcourt. Stauffer, a senior who averaged 6.62 ppg. a year ago, will once again be tasked with the point guard duties, while Fritz (10.8 ppg) will be counted on to be the catalyst for the Colts offensively.

Fritz was impressive in his freshman season, finishing second on the team in scoring, using his ability to shoot the triple. He was one of the leaders in three-point field goals in the Schuylkill League with 61.

“With our experience returning with our ball handlers, we’re going to make every effort to make the most out of our offensive possessions. Both guys take care of the ball well, and I think we can control the tempo on the offensive end with our sets,” said Patton. “I’m also impressed with how Noah and Tyler have improved. Both look stronger and more confident, and Tyler is up around 6-1 now, and there’s no doubt offensively we’re going to be looking to get him open looks.”

Patton will be depending on a few different guys to replace the production he lost from the post last season. Seniors Alex Tate (6-2) and Jared Maylath (6-1) will rotate in at the four and five spots, and sophomore Nick Goff (6-2) could also see some action down low. The Colts will need a combined effort from those three, plus even more help from reserves to give Marian close to the same production it received last season.

“We’re going to need about three to four guys in the post combine for 20 points and 10 rebounds a night. That’s what we’re looking for from our post players,” said Patton. “If we can get that kind of effort, especially on the defensive end and in the rebounding department, paired with our guard play, we’ll be in position to be a pretty competitive team.”

Michael McLaughlin (Sr.) or Brandon Sabulsky (Jr.) is expected to round out the starting five, while Jacob McNelis (Sr.), Brady Whildin (Sr.), Keith McCall (Jr.), Chris Ritsick (So.), Chris Latoff (So.) and Dante Agosti (Fr.), will also be counted on.