Team Preview
Written by: Vince Trimboli
The Rimrock Raiders were back in familiar territory last year earning a berth into the state tournament. But after graduating five seniors, all key contributors, Rimrock faces an up-hill battle in 2014/2015.
The Raiders also will have a new head coach in former junior varsity coach Aaron Hall, who coached that squad to a second place finish in the JV district tournament.
Hall’s challenge will be replacing the loss in scoring and doing it with fewer players. The Raiders had 21 players in the program last year. But at press time Hall said he’d be lucky to have a dozen girls on the team when the season starts in early November.
“It felt real good when they asked me to be the head coach I didn’t even had to think about it,” Hall said. “They’ve had a lot of success here. It will be tougher than last year. We lost a good core of girls. But I think I have a good core that can step up.”
Hall feels like he will have a strong starting group that includes senior shooting guard Angeles Lino, his daughter junior center Sakota Hall, junior forward Analese Mills and sophomore point guard Bailie Jewett.
Hall and Lino should lead way offensively. Lino is defensive stopper that according to her coach has the ability to take the ball straight to the basket and score off of steals. His daughter Sakota will be the team’s rebounding and scoring presence on the inside.
As for coaching his daughter, Hall said he’s going to enjoy it although he admits “It’s a little tough” at times. “She thinks I’m harder on her. It’s tough to juggle at times because you expect so much out of your own kid.”
Hall would prefer to play up-tempo but with only 11 players the Raiders will focus in practice on playing in the half court set offensively and defensively. “We’re more of a run and gun team, but we don’t have the numbers to play that style this year.”
As for conference play, Hall didn’t hesitate when saying “Notus is our rival” and he said the Pirates are the team to beat. They had our number last year. They beat us (in the District Final).”
He also expects Idaho City and Liberty Charter to be in contention. Ultimately for the Raiders it will come down to depth.
“We might play three quarters great, but the last one if we’re out of steam it will be hard in 4th quarter,” Hall said. “Goal for this year is to make sure we are competitive in every game I’ll be happy with that because we are shorthanded.”
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