|
New Plymouth High School
School Info
Conference: 2A Western Idaho Conference
Classification: 2A
|
|
|
Head Coach: Mark Van Weerdhuizen
Years as Head Coach: 6
Previous Experience: 6 Years various positions at Fruitland
Record Last Year: 16-10
State Titles: 1993
Assistant Coaches:
Lake, Damion Jordan, Derek Wilson, Carson White, Matt York
Who do you have coming back this year?
Nate Woods, Post, Senior, 6’4;
Eric Paulsen, Post, Senior, 6’0;
Jack Verbance, Guard, Senior 5’9;
Tyler Powell, Wing, Junior 6’0;
Any Returning Players with Honors?
Nate Woods – 2nd Team All-Conference
Any “Key Players” that you lost from last year?
Hunter Wells, Wing: Starter - Really good defensive player, good athlete, scored, and made some big-time plays in clutch moments during Districts and State. Was a 2nd Team All-Conference Performer
Bo Brogan, Guard: Starter – brought a lot of energy, and did a lot of small things people did not realize to make the team better.
Jake Henggeler, Post: Started most games – was not a very tall post, but was able to effectively defend much taller players using his strength and body efficiently. Provided an inside presence despite not being the tallest guy.
Cody Hinson, Guard: Very basketball savvy. Good passer who made a lot of “basketball plays” down the stretch.
Trevan Hooten, Guard: Started about half the games. He brought consistency to the team and provided great on-ball pressure.
Cade Stafford, Wing: A “glue” guy who had to step in at some tough moments and performed at a very high level.
|
Photo By: Steve Conner - #11 Eric Paulsen |
As a team, what are your offensive strengths?
Balance, many different guys who can do a lot of different things. The returning players will probably provide much of the offense, but other guys will step up as well.
Offensive areas you hope to improve on over last year:
Shooting %: We shot 33% last year
As a team, what are your defensive strengths?
Ball Pressure should be a strength of this team. We should be able to play a good man-to-man defense and maybe mix in a zone this year.
Defensive Areas you hope to improve on over last year:
Defensive rebounding
What are you most excited about in regards to this year’s team?
We have a lot of seniors this year who are fun kids to be around. With it being their last year in high school, I expect them to want to make the most of it.
For the fans, what is the must-see game of the year on your schedule?
Most league games this year should be real fun and competitive. Homedale, Payette, and Weiser are non-league, and playing up is always a challenge. Additionally, we will be playing Emmett and Baker in the Fruitland Christmas Tournament
What is the ‘X-Factor’ to having success this season as a team?
It looks like we will return four players, only two who averaged more than 10 minutes a game. We need some guys to step up and provide us some depth that we have been accustomed to having. We know we have some players who are capable, and we are excited to see who is going to rise to the challenge.
Besides the pay, the fame and the glory, why do you coach high school basketball?
The relationships you build with the kids are priceless. All the time, energy, and frustrations are all made worth it when you talk to former players and hear how they are doing in the educational, career, and personal lives.
What makes your school the best place to coach for?
Great support of the administration, from Superintendent Ryan Kerby, to Principal Kevin Barker, to Athletic Director Denise Oliver, the support is amazing. Additionally, our kids are not perfect, but we have GREAT kids here at New Plymouth.
|
|