Boys basketball preview 2023: Elyria Catholic seniors Teddy Budinger and Grayson Kramer excited to lead young roster

Adjustment has been a way of life for Elyria Catholic's Teddy Budinger and Grayson Kramer. And while they have new roles on the court, the biggest adjustment has been in the new title they share: senior leader. "The leadership bit is definitely different," said Kramer, who is playing varsity for the first time. "Play style is faster, more competitive, but leadership is definitely that big step from JV to varsity, and I think we can get that knocked out really good this season and have a great year." Budinger was the sixth man last year, but with heavy graduation losses and being one of the only two seniors on the team, he's looking at a more expanded role in the backcourt. "I'm soaking it in, definitely," Budinger said. "I've been waiting for my senior year for a long time, so it's cool that it's finally here and I'm ready to go. My role hasn't always been huge, but I'm ready to step in and go. "I'm hoping to come in and just do my thing." Both players have been putting in the time getting ready for their expanded roles. Budinger went to the gym after football practice and put up an average of 200 shots per day. Kramer, who was also on the football team, focused on adding more weight to his 6-foot-4 frame. Coach Jeff Huber saw the work his seniors put in and appreciates how they are leading by example. "I've noticed this year, Teddy is just more vocal, kind of found his voice a little bit," Huber said. "Last year, we had seven seniors, so I think now that he's one of the seniors, it's given him a little bit more confidence to be more vocal. Also, he's definitely gotten stronger, more athletic, and, I think he's added more to his game, both offensively and defensively. I'm expecting big things from Teddy, who's a great kid, really good teammate. "Grayson has worked hard. This is his first year as a varsity player, but he's a very active player. He's a good athlete. He can rebound the ball. He runs the floor well. He can block shots. I think he's going to be a really high-energy guy for us. With a younger team and guys who maybe are lacking experience and are still young, having somebody who plays with that high level of energy is really valuable in terms of establishing a baseline of how we want to play." Working together during the offseason and after football practice has given both Budinger and Kramer an appreciation for what the other can do for the program. "I think he's a big presence in the paint," Budinger said of Kramer. "He's 6-4. He could rebound well, defend well, and he's a good player overall. I'll just pass the ball in the paint, and I'll cut. Just try to get him opportunities so he could go to work in the paint. I play off of that to get open for a shot." "Ted can drive it to the hoop or post up a big guy," Kramer said. "He can knock down a three. Ted is a great player all-around." With the senior-laden lineup last season, the Panthers finished 18-6 overall and 11-2 record in the Great Lakes Conference, which was second only to Holy Name (14-0). Although the Panthers will be relying on a much younger roster this year, there is plenty of excitement as they pursue a championship in the final year in the GLC before shifting to the North Coast Conference next year. "I think we can be really good," Budinger said. "We've got some young guys that are going to step up. Then, with me and Grayson, obviously, I think that we could be a good defensive team, and we're a good shooting team also. "We're just trying to have fun with it and just obviously win, but whatever happens, I'm sure we'll be good." "It's going to be a great year," Kramer said. "There's nothing really to worry about aside from something going wrong or getting in our own heads, but other than that, I feel like it's just going to be a fun year altogether. "I think it's just teamwork and communication in general. It's not like we have one leader. We have a lot of leaders on the team. As long as we're all talking and everything, I think we'll have a very good season this year." Contact Matt Florjancic at (440) 329-7135 or ctsports@chroniclet.com.