Team Preview:
Written by: Sven Alskog
Some expected the Wood River Wolverines to compete in the 4A Great Basin Conference last season. While that may not have happened, the young unit was able to gain much experience as they get prepared to enter another year under the patrols of Head Coach Andy Miles.
Coming off of the 6-18 season, Miles will look to a group of players who have become familiar to those who have followed them the last few years. Four returning, three year varsity starters return to give the Wolverines one of the most experienced teams in all of Idaho. To this point the group has not found much success on the hardwood, however at points they have been competitive and shown potential.
The key for the new season will be to rebuild the confidence of a team that has lost at a much greater rate than they have been victorious in recent years, with back-to-back six win seasons following a one win tally during the 2011-2012 campaign.
Junior guard Alec Nordsieck and senior forward Cody Carter highlight the returners.
In the interior, Wood River has shown flashes of potential, although compared to other teams in the conference it has not been enough. The low-post presence will be a key in allowing the Wolverines to control the tempo and not allow the opposition to get out and run in the open court.
Miles will employ a swarming defensive style in an effort to force turnovers and get the ball in the hands of his playmakers, noting that this team will play with a high level of defensive energy and plenty of intensity.
With the nucleus of the team back for another year, chemistry should be something that separates the unit from others in its conference.
As a result, the offensive flow should continue to improve, allowing the Wolverines to control the pace of the game more. By doing this, Wood River will have more of a chance to compete against the upper echelon of the 4A Great Basin Conference.
Coach Miles listed senior guard Doug Mason as a key newcomer to watch for his group in the coming season.
The biggest challenge for the Wolverines will continue to be getting the ball in the basket, something which has been a big struggle for them in recent years, but was much improved last season.
With an improved performance on defense and the continual progression on the other side of the floor, look for Wood River to potentially break into double-digit wins.
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