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Lighthouse Christian High School
School Info
Conference: 1AD2 Sawtooth Conference
Classification: 1A D2
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Head Coach: Darren Van Hofwegen
Years as Head Coach: 2nd season
Previous Experience: 11 years
Record Last Year: 12-11
Assistant Coaches:
Cory Holloway, Harriman Randle, Rob Stephens
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Team Preview:
Written by: Sven Alskog
For the Lighthouse Christian Lions, this basketball season can expect to bring more of the up-tempo pace that was displayed last year with a more experienced bunch ready to take charge.
After coming out of the gates hot last season with a 7-1 start, Darren Van Hofwegen’s bunch went 6-8 for the remainder of the campaign on their way to a 13-9 overall record.
Close losses were a theme down the stretch run, losing by a point to Castleford twice and by two points to the Carey Panthers, the latter of which went on to advance into the 1AD2 state tournament.
Much promise was shown by a cast of young guards with plenty of speed at their disposal.
The backcourt ball-handling duties will be primarily handled by Tyler Andreasen and Josh Fadness, with many probably remembering the success of the elder Luc Fadness. Each will be expected to help the Lions get over the hump late in games, something which could make a difference between a trip to the Treasure Valley come March or looking into the future with an early offseason.
Depth is something that separates the Lions from other teams at their level of play, with plenty of bodies available for Van Hofwegen to use at will.
“We return a lot of talented players from last year’s squad,” stated the head man. “These players buy into a defensive system that really works well for their skill level.”
Pressure defense can be applied on the wings thanks to the quick hands and feet of the guards.
“Last year this group won a state championship in Track and Field, so we know we are pretty fast, quick and athletic,” said Van Hofwegen.
“So we will try to use that this year,” he added.
Other players to watch for the Lions include 6’2” swingman Bryce Kostelecky and 6’5” post Spencer Stephens, both of which give Lighthouse Christian a strong element of size to utilize against what will typically be smaller competition.
Van Hofwegen mentioned Ty Giardina and Adam Taylor as other key returners.
Combined with what should be sufficient perimeter shooting and plenty of quickness, Lighthouse Christian should be able to be a key player in the 1AD2 North Side Conference.
Along with talent, the Lions have plenty of group cohesiveness, which should help through the grind of a long season.
“They work hard, listen and buy into what we want to do as a team and that is more important than talent alone,” said Van Hofwegen.
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