Team Preview:
Written by: Scott Burton
With 13 years of coaching experience in several different states, Matt Newhouse makes the move from the girls head coach to take command of the boys program. At his disposal will be a healthy contingent of returning players, including first team all-conference guard, Alec Nordsieck.
Although Wood River did graduate six seniors, they have plenty to be excited about with who they have coming back. The Wolverines will be an athletic bunch this year and will compliment that with some formidable height across the board. That combination has Coach Newhouse excited at the possibilities.
“We have an athletic group of kids who, if they buy in and work hard to improve, could have an amazing season,” added Newhouse.
The Wolverines will also benefit from the return of 6’ 4” wing/post Nic Tidwell who spent a year away from basketball. Factor in junior wing Cade Schott and junior post Travis Swanson, Wood River can put some athletic scorers on the floor. You can expect to see Wood River run a lot of 4 out offense in order to get those athletes in space and making decisions.
However, the big challenge for the Wolverines might be on the defensive side of the ball. Several areas will be points of emphasis according to the new head coach. Last season the Wolverines gave up over 61 points per game to Burley, Minico, and Twin Falls. If Wood River wants to turn the corner and challenge in the Great Basin Conference, that number needs to change.
That fact is not lost on Newhouse, “We need to improve our spacing, ball awareness, communication, defensive rebounding, and transition defense.”
In an always tight conference, the Wolverines have enough playmakers, if they commit to the new system, to make some noise this year in conference play.
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