St. Pius boys hoops’ seeking new stars after historic season

(Festus) Everything came up roses for the St. Pius Lancers in boys’ basketball last season.

Only a heartbreaking loss in the Class 3 state sectionals put a damper on a 21-win season that produced the first district championship in over a decade and a JCAA Large-School Division title.

But star seniors Riley Naeger, Josh Ruble, Eli Boyer and Kayden Cook are gone.

Pius head coach Chris Miller says he’s grateful for a successful first season, but now it’s about building a program, even during a pandemic.

The Lancers will still be a bigger team thanks to the return of junior big man Nate Ruble and senior forwards Michael Bollinger and Zander Parson.

But Miller says his team will need to time to completely coalesce.

St. Pius starts its season with a matchup against Orchard Farm Friday evening.

To hear the full interview with Lancers head coach Chris Miller, click play below.