Knowing it was his turn, Marmion’s Evan Stumm embraced his expanded role.
The 6-foot-2 senior guard has proceeded to make the most of it.
Somebody had to take a leadership role after five senior starters graduated from a team that put together a breakthrough season in 2022-23. Stumm was first off the bench for the Cadets, who won the program’s first regional title in 46 years.
It was also the first team to win 20 or more games and a sectional title in 47 years.
“Evan is a natural leader,” Marmion coach Joe Piekarz
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said. “Coming into the summer, he knew somebody was going to have to step up, and he knew by default, since he was the player with the most varsity minutes, it would have to be him.“While he’s not the most vocal kid in the world, he leads by example. He just does the right thing. The guys respect him tremendously, and he’s a really good high school player to have on your team.”
Stumm continued to do his thing Tuesday night, displaying his usual, strong, all-around game as the Cadets cruised to a 61-34 victory over struggling St. Rita in a Catholic League crossover game.
Despite shooting 3 of 10, Stumm led Marmion (11-11) with 14 points. He hit a pair of 3-pointers and went 6-for-6 from the free-throw line after being fouled on three drives to the basket.
“He was off a little bit from the outside but found a way to get to the lane and the line,” Piekarz said. “He’s so consistent and honestly probably our best defender. He takes the most charges on the team, and it’s not often your leading scorer does both.
“He usually guards the other team’s best player, so he has a lot on his plate this year.”
Stumm, who averages 14.8 points, added four rebounds, three assists and two steals Tuesday.
Junior guard Matt Murray came off the bench and had 12 points and six rebounds. Junior guard Caden Anderson added 10 points, six rebounds and five of the Cadets’ 14 steals.
Senior forward Zackary Clark scored nine points to lead St. Rita (1-20).
“Evan has been the floor general on the court, and he’s been great,” said Anderson, who runs the point. “He’s the off guard. I try to get him the ball and get him shots.”
Three of last season’s seniors have moved on to college teams — guards Jabe Haith (Lewis) and Collin Wainscott (St. Ambrose) and forward Trevon Roots (North Park).
“It was awesome, having those guys mentoring me last season,” Stumm said. “I was the sixth man. My role was just to be like the hustle guy, bring energy.”
He also specialized as a catch-and-shoot, 3-point specialist from the corner.
“I played my role, waited my turn,” Stumm said. “Those three guys were making amazing plays. We were dunking and had all these flashy plays, and it was fun to watch.
“This year, we’re just trying to find the open guy. We’ll take our time. Whatever gets us the best look.”
Senior guard Matthew Stewart and senior center Logan Hubble join Stumm in the starting lineup this season.
“We all play a big role,” Stumm said.
The Cadets are 4-1 in their last five games to get back to .500, and Stumm credits their team defense.
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“We didn’t start the season great, but getting to .500 is a big goal and we hope to keep it going,” Stumm said. “I’m still that hustle guy and have that heart on defense. Our job is just to rotate and help the helper.”
So many unknowns early and sickness sweeping the team in December also slowed Marmion’s development, according to Piekarz.
“We were rotating in 12-13 guys, trying to find our top eight or nine,” he said. “Guys are starting to understand their roles and it’s paying dividends.
“We have guys who want to defend, and you want to have a team that likes to do that.”