5 Keys to the Season for Boys Varsity Basketball
December 4, 2015
- Effectively Running the Fastbreak: With senior big man, Tyler Brewer, out with injury, they will need to play small ball. Running a fast paced offense and getting off as many shots as possible will help the team generate wins.
- Toughness: Again, this plays into the lack of size. The boys will automatically be giving up inches to their opponents, and the only way to combat this is to play tough, hard-nosed defense, and battle their opponents in the paint. Hustle and heart beats talent nine times out of ten.
- Israel Watson: Last year, Watson made a name for himself after making the game winning 3-point shot against Shawnee Mission East. This year, the junior guard/forward will need to be a go-to scorer, both in the paint and on the perimeter. After the graduation of star players Louis Rollins and Tyriq Gunnels, Watson’s role will increase significantly.
- The Emergence of Zach Witters: There’s no denying that Witter’s has been a rock in the basketball program here since his freshman year. After a rough year shooting the ball last year, Witter’s will be the undisputed leader of the team this year. His potential is through the roof as both a scorer and a facilitator, and it will be exciting to see his development.
- The Chip on Their Shoulder: This year, Derek Benson will be the only senior on the active roster, meaning that varsity experience is minimal. The resounding expectations aren’t exceedingly high, but they can use this to their advantage, a la the Kansas City Royals. No one expected them to even contend for a playoff spot this year, and the wound up winning the whole darn thing. If they can just ignore the background noise, the boys can become something special.
