South Bend Tribune

 

MATT KOPSEA
Tribune Staff Writer

ROCHESTER — Marc Bowers has found being stuck in the middle isn't so bad after all.

"I really wanted to be on the varsity this year, so I knew because of my size that the best thing for me to do was to move to the inside," said Rochester's 6-foot-3 junior enforcer. "Since I mainly played point guard as a freshman and sophomore, I wasn't used to all of the shoving and banging around that take place in there.

"It was a little tough at first adjusting. With a little help from my dad and older brother (Nick Bowers), I'm now really comfortable being in the post."

Bowers is third on the squad with a 3.9 rebounding average and hopes to add to that Saturday night at Conseco Fieldhouse when No. 7 Rochester (23-3) battles No. 1 Princeton (27-0) for the Class 3-A state basketball championship.

Although not counted on to provide a lot of offensive support, Bowers has still contributed, averaging 4.8 points and shooting 70 percent (47-of-67) from the floor.

"The fact we've already got a lot of scorers has made my job that much easier," Bowers said during a break in Monday's workout. "All I have to do is concentrate on rebounding and playing defense.

"If called upon, though, I'm confident in my ability to put the ball in the bucket. I've gotten a lot better at sealing the guy behind me and then posting myself up on the inside. That's how I've gotten a lot of open looks and most of my points this season."

Even though the Zebras do most of their damage from the outside, Bowers has definitely been a welcome addition in the paint.

"Marc has embraced his new role with lot of desire and confidence," said Rochester coach Rob Malchow. "Scoring points are a perk for him because he understands his jobs are to rebound and play defense.

"He not only gives us a reliable inside presence, but he's also a pretty good free throw shooter (73 percent). I'm really pleased with the progress Marc has made. I know it wasn't easy for him, but I also know how badly he wanted to play with this group."

While playing with Indiana all-star candidate Bruce Grimm Jr. (25.2 ppg) has been a thrill, Bowers has really enjoyed being reunited with classmate Colt Meadows (7.1 ppg).

"Colt and I have been playing together for a long time, so we pretty much know what we're capable of doing," Bowers added. "That's why we work so well together and try to get each other the ball as much as possible.

"What's happened this season is so surreal and incredible that I can hardly believe it some times. I'm enjoying it now, but I also realize that I've still got a lot of work to do to get ready for next year.

"I know I'm probably going to need to take on a bigger role offensively. That's why I'm going to work hard in the off-season both on the court and in the weight room to get myself much better and stronger."