Team Preview:
Written by: Sven Alskog
Led by the man known as T-Rex, the Rockland Bulldogs have plenty of optimism as they get set to embark on their new season.
Rex Permann is a 6’6” forward who relies primarily on his mid-range game to baffle opposing defenses.
Not many opponents who squared off with Rockland found any answers on how to stop the explosive playmaker, who also has BJay Turley to rely on from the perimeter, along with a bevy of new talent to try and take some of the burden of Permann.
While the isolation style offense worked well during the course of the regular season for Rockland, once they advanced to state in Caldwell come March teams found success shutting them down. The Summit Academy and Dietrich were able to dominate their games against them, topping the Bulldogs by a combined 128-88 tally.
The trip to state was the third in four seasons, however fourth year Head Coach Scott Lish will be hoping to advance further come tournament time with a talented team at his disposal.
Similar to last season, Rockland should be the clear favorite in the 1AD2 Rocky Mountain Conference, with the biggest threats potentially being North Gem or Mackay, the latter a team that almost knocked off the Bulldogs in district tournament play, while also topping them 50-37 during the regular season.
It will be important for Rockland to develop an offensive identity aside from Permann this season to allow them to take the next step in their progression. Developing alternate threats will also benefit the Bulldogs for when their star forward graduates after this academic year.
As broadcast partner Lance Taylor and myself alluded to during our coverage of the 1AD2 state tournament last season, Permann primarily relied on the use of his mid-range game during play on the big stage, utilizing jump shots and runners. With his size, it can be expected to see more emphasis on getting the ball into the paint this time around.
Most teams in the 1AD2 classification throughout the state of Idaho do not have anyone that can match up with the 6’6” Permann, making him a one-on-one nightmare. As a result the Bulldogs can expect to see a lot of double teams coming the way of him, leaving other players open to make big plays themselves.
The difference for Rockland this season will be the play of those role players who complement Permann. If they are able to step up their game, the Bulldogs will make some noise come state tournament time next March.
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