Returning core makes for high-tempo Rockets
DUSTIN HENGGELER/DAILY FORUM
The 2017-2018 West Nodaway boys’ basketball team is first row: Tayton Kirsch, Eli Sanders, Gabe Goff, Matthew Harris, Jacob Flint, Grant Adkins; second: Dustin Riddle, Tyler Blay, Brody Beason, Dylan Carden, David Hull, Korbin Koch and Parker Ogle. Not pictured is Shane Burgess.
Several West Nodaway Rocket players are returning from last season’s 4-20 finish that ended in the opening round of districts.
Five of those returning from the core are back again for a chance to redeem themselves under a new coaching staff.
West Nodaway graduate Kolton Jones is returning to his roots. He’s spent the last several years as a MSHSAA basketball referee so his knowledge of the game isn’t lacking. Jones plans to combine his love and skill of the game with the up and coming talents to make for a rebound season for the Rockets.
“We are a pretty young team this season but with the numbers low in the past a lot of these guys have had a lot of time on the court over the past years,” Jones said of his squad. “We have a group of guys that I got to take to a few shootouts and open gyms this summer. Just in those few times being able to coach them up I was able to teach my style of ball that I want the boys to play this season.”
Jones added that fans will see a fun, scrappy, fast-going and high-energy performance that he hopes will be an in-your-face defense to opponents.
The core that returns with a bulk of minutes on the court from last season include David Hull, Korbin Koch, Dylan Carden, Brody Beason, Eli Sanders and Parker Ogle. Jones will expect them to lead the team in practices as they get going under the new program. Knowing there will be a few growing pains early, Jones just expects 100 percent from his players every day.
“Our goal is to improve daily in one or more phases of the game,” he said. “Getting better offensively, defensively, getting every loose ball and board too. We do this through well-ran philosophy based drills, practicing with a sense of urgency, and lots of repetitions. It’s the little things we do that will win ball games.”
Jones expects to be able to run eight or nine deep into his roster which will allow him to maintain the anticipated high-tempo team up for four quarters. He said he signed 17 up to the team and expects each one of them to play a role of some kind. As far as the team leadership goes, Jones expects everyone to take responsibility for themselves, no matter what role they play.
“Every player should have his own role and some nights that role may change,” Jones said. “It’s not all about scoring. Some nights a kid’s role may be rebounds, steals or assists. Sometimes you’re the sixth man that is the spark needed to change the momentum. So, I expect everyone to be leaders on and off the court.”
First year assistant coach Dylon Hagey will be helping Jones implement all of these plans into action for the upcoming season.
Their practice will be put to the test during the Platte Valley Invitational which begins Nov. 27. The first regular season game will be against defending conference champs South Holt on Dec. 5 at Burlington Junction.
