Sutherlin Boys Basketball Opens Up Season Tonight As They Host Bill Spelgatti Invitational

The Sutherlin boys basketball team opens their season tonight at home against Mannahouse Christian Academy at 7:45 p.m. in the Bill Spelgatti Invitational. The Bulldogs are coming off a 22-7 season where they won the Far West League title with a 9-1 league record. Sutherlin lost in the quarterfinals to eventual 3A state champion De La Salle North Catholic 58-45 before taking sixth place at state. Craig Stinnett is back for his second stint coaching the team after Willis New retired after last season. Stinnett previously coached Sutherlin from 2002-2006. He also coached Roseburg high school from 2006-2014. Sutherlin is ranked ninth in the preseason OSAAtoday 3A coaches poll. “We have a very good core group coming back with Mason Gill (POY last year) Brandon Carr (second team) and Collin Bodeen (honorable mention),” Stinnett said. “Rounding those returners out are seniors Jake Merrifield and Isaac Horn, both saw good minutes last year and junior Kolbi Stinnett saw more and more minutes at the end of the season. Josh Davis will also see significant minutes this year.” Sutherlin has four seniors, six juniors and one sophomore on their varsity roster. “As a collective I think we shoot the ball better and have better offensive chemistry,” Stinnett said. “Our expectations are to build on a strong foundation created over the last three years from coach Willis New and be one of the top teams at the 3A level. With the state appearance last year the returners and key players have that desire to return.” Sutherlin will have 12 nonleague games before Far West League play begins on January 10 at St. Mary’s, Medford.