They\u2019ve lost their star.<\/p>\n
Heck, three all-leaguers from a year ago are gone.<\/p>\n
But rest assured, by season\u2019s end, the Kentridge High boys basketball team will have proven plenty of people wrong. Sharpshooting sophomore sensation Gary Bell is banking on it.<\/p>\n
\u201cA lot of people, they\u2019re not going to think of us as a hard team to play (because of all the players we lost),\u201d explained Bell, a 6-foot-1, 180-pound guard who can hit from virtually anywhere on the court. \u201cWe have a smaller team, so we\u2019re going to have to play faster.\u201d<\/p>\n
And if Bell has anything to say about it \u2014 and it\u2019s very likely he will \u2014 Kentridge will be plenty of fun to watch, too. Unlike last year, when the Chargers could slow down the game with the best of \u2018em, often waiting for 6-foot-6 star Renado Parker to work his way down low, this year\u2019s team lacks size.<\/p>\n
To make up for that deficiency, the Chargers anticipate out-running a league loaded with big boys who clog the paint.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs you would expect, (graduation) took a lot of our inside game,\u201d Kentridge coach Dave Jamison said. \u201cWe\u2019re going to have run a lot of other stuff. We\u2019re going to try and press, run and have good team defense.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Chargers have some nice tools to make the transition from half-court power to a run-and-gun finesse. But a lot of it will start with Bell, who averaged 10.7 points per game last year and led the South Puget Sound League North Division in shooting percentage (51.7).<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s our best athlete,\u201d Jamison said. \u201cHe can get a lot of things done.\u201d<\/p>\n
But that\u2019s not to say Bell will be alone. In fact, the Chargers should have three of the North\u2019s most explosive guards in Bell, Shaquille McKissic and Laron Daniels.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have a good core of guards,\u201d said Bell, who already has received interest from the University of California, among other schools. \u201cWe\u2019re going to be run and gun.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Youth movement<\/p>\n
The excitement in Rob Morrow\u2019s voice is evident.<\/p>\n
So is the trepidation.<\/p>\n
Morrow, Tahoma\u2019s third-year coach, looks out on the court and sees plenty of talent. Matter of fact, this year\u2019s group of sophomores might be the best to ever come through the school, which helps explain Morrow\u2019s excitement.<\/p>\n
Those sophomores, however, will be asked to fill some veteran roles this season because \u2026 well, because they make up half the team.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re very young,\u201d said Morrow, whose squad seven seniors to graduation. \u201cI\u2019d be surprised if we weren\u2019t the youngest team in the league.\u201d<\/p>\n
There\u2019s little doubt the Bears (3-11 in SPSL play a year ago) will be just that. They got even younger a little less than a month ago, when guard Ryan Chase, the team\u2019s lone returning senior, broke his hand playing soccer. If Chase returns, it won\u2019t be until late in the season.<\/p>\n
Chase\u2019s injury aside, the Bears are in the midst of a youth movement and have ample talent to work with, led by 6-foot-7 sophomore forward Christian Behrens. He earned honorable mention accolades last year as a freshman, averaging 11 points and six rebounds per game last year.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s not a lot he can\u2019t do,\u201d Morrow said.<\/p>\n
Behrens should be right at home \u2014 and right on the court this season\u2014 with fellow sophomores Dallin Munk, Spencer Hobson, Garrett Gileno and Ryan Goodman.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur leadership is from the sophomore class,\u201d Morrow said. \u201cWe\u2019ll probably end up starting three or four of them.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
No ordinary big man<\/p>\n
At first glance, Kentlake\u2019s Jeff Budinich looks like the type of kid who would make a pretty good living underneath the hoop.<\/p>\n
Being 6-10 in high school, that\u2019s not an uncommon stereotype.<\/p>\n
But there\u2019s more to this Montana State-bound senior than meets the eye.<\/p>\n
Like the feathery-soft touch he brings from outside the paint.<\/p>\n
\u201cJeff\u2019s just got a really nice shot,\u201d said Kentlake coach Ron Charrier. \u201cI\u2019ve known him for a long time and we\u2019ve always known that (down low) wasn\u2019t his strength.\u201d<\/p>\n
That\u2019s not to say Budinich isn\u2019t plenty capable of doing plenty of damage around the basket. Simply put, the Kentlake senior possesses an uncommonly sound outside game for a big man.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m a guy who floats around (the perimeter),\u201d said the 230-pound Falcon, who averaged 6.8 points and 3.9 rebounds per game last season. \u201cI don\u2019t think (other centers) can keep up with me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Charrier is hoping as much this season as Budinich is the team\u2019s lone returning starter and will be a focal point of Kentlake\u2019s offense.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s a lot stronger (this year) and I think his confidence is a lot higher after playing better competition (during the summer),\u201d Charrier said. \u201cI think his confidence went up, and hopefully, that translates into the basketball season.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Elite of the elite<\/p>\n
Kentwood\u2019s Josh Smith entered some prestigious territory this past summer.<\/p>\n
Smith, a 6-foot-10, 285-pound center, took part in the Third Annual Elite 24, a game that brings together the top prep basketball players in the nation.<\/p>\n
Played outside on Aug. 22 at famed Holcomb Rucker Park in Harlem, N.Y., Smith held his own, registering one of just two double-doubles in the game. Kentwood\u2019s big man scored 11 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, helping his team \u201cSkip to my Lou\u201d upend \u201cThe Goat,\u201d 135-121.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was really, really different,\u201d said Smith, a 16-year-old junior. \u201cI am just so used to playing in gyms and college arenas. That was my first game outside. When they told me it was being televised on ESPN2, on national television, that was pretty exciting.\u201d<\/p>\n
Smith was one of just three Washington players to compete in the game. The others were highly-touted Tony Wroten (Garfield) and Abdul Gaddy (Bellarmine Prep).<\/p>\n
Several of the NBA\u2019s all-time greats have played at Rucker Park, including Julius \u201cDr. J\u201d Erving and Lew Alcindor, who later would be known as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.<\/p>\n
\u201cI thought it was (an honor) for my school and myself,\u201d Smith said. \u201cI thought I could do a little better, but I think I did pretty good.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Going to surprise<\/p>\n
First-year Kent-Meridian coach Brian Lockhart makes no bones about it: The Royals are going to surprise some teams.<\/p>\n
On the surface, opponents might look at last year\u2019s 2-12 record and think little of this year\u2019s Royals.<\/p>\n
That, Lockhart says, will be a mistake.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat I have back is fairly solid,\u201d Lockhart said. \u201cI think these guys genuinely have a chance.\u201d<\/p>\n
And before thinking the first-year coach is simply tossing out the usual preseason optimism, keep in mind that there aren\u2019t many people who know the SPSL North better.<\/p>\n
Why?<\/p>\n
Because Lockhart spent the previous seven years assisting at Kentwood under former coach Dean Montzingo and current Conk leader Michael Angelidis. Few programs have been more successful than Kentwood the last decade, and Lockhart would love nothing better than to bring that to the Royals.<\/p>\n
Although K-M doesn\u2019t have tremendous size, it will be one of the most defensive-minded teams in the North.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve always preached defense and we\u2019re going to be up-tempo,\u201d Lockhart said.<\/p>\n
Much of that style of play will be led by 6-4 junior guard Borento Ahmed, who swung between junior varsity and varsity last year. Borento has a wealth of talent that went seemingly untapped last season.<\/p>\n
\u201cI really honestly think Borento is one of the top seven players in our league,\u201d the coach said. \u201cHe\u2019s definitely the most talented in our program. He has a gift for this game.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Welcome back<\/p>\n
They\u2019ve been gone from the South Puget Sound League North Division just two years.<\/p>\n
But things haven\u2019t gotten any easier for the Auburn and Auburn Riverside boys basketball tames.<\/p>\n
In fact, they just now might be getting more difficult.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s not to say the SPSL 3A was a walk in the park for either the Trojans or the Ravens. But in the transition back to the SPSL North, both will have to contend with Federal Way team that is loaded beyond words, a 6-foot-10 man child in Kentwood junior Josh Smith, and several other walking teenage giants who will dot their schedules.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s no question, from top to bottom, the SPSL North is tougher (then the SPSL 3A),\u201d Auburn coach Ryan Hansen said. \u201cYou look at the league and it seems that everybody has at least one really solid big guy.\u201d<\/p>\n
Indeed.<\/p>\n
At Tahoma, it\u2019s 6-foot-7 sophomore Christian Behrens. Kentlake will serve up 6-10 Montana State-bound Jeff Budinich, while Federal Way chips in 6-8 junior Cole Dickerson. And, of course, Kentwood\u2019s Smith is the most highly-touted junior in the nation.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe kids, I think, are bigger in the North,\u201d Auburn Riverside coach Tom Adams said. \u201cThere were some big kids in the SPSL 3A, but not night in, night out. Many teams in the North have two or three big kids.\u201d<\/p>\n
Throw in the fact that the division can boast of having state finalists in each of the last two years (Kentridge in 2007, Federal Way in 2008) and there\u2019s reason to believe things aren\u2019t getting any easier for the Trojans or the Ravens.<\/p>\n
That said, come season\u2019s end, both are likely to be in the playoff hunt in a league that advances the top five to the postseason.<\/p>\n
While Auburn graduated stars T.J. Stafford and Ryan Snowden, the Trojans return all-leaguers Jeff Gouveia (generously listed at 6-foot) and 6-5 big man Isaiah Johnson. Both played on the football team and are well-suited for the physical play that typifies the North.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Carlo Lavoie, one of the SPSL 3A\u2019s most unheralded players a year ago, will be taking over point guard duties.<\/p>\n
So the Trojans\u2019 cupboard is far from bare as they return to 4A. In fact, Auburn will be gunning for a third straight trip to state this winter, along with a second straight league title after going 20-0 in regular-season play last winter.<\/p>\n
Hansen insists the talent is there.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe don\u2019t really have one star,\u201d he said. \u201cBut we have a lot of good players who\u2019ve won a lot of games over the last several years. Carlo could go for 20 one night, Jeff could go for 20 and Isaiah could go for 20.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m really excited about this group.\u201d<\/p>\n
At Auburn Riverside, there\u2019s just as much excitement \u2014 and reason \u2014 not to fear the new league. Except for Federal Way, the Ravens return more starters and overall players than any team in the league.<\/p>\n
\u201cExpectations are high,\u201d Adams said. \u201cHigher than they\u2019ve been in a long time.\u201d<\/p>\n
And why not?<\/p>\n
The Ravens bring back first-team guard Mitch Hagerty, a 6-foot-2 gym rat who averaged more than 16 points per game last year. Meanwhile, junior Ryan Rogers, a second-teamer last season who averaged 14 points per game, is just as capable of putting the ball in the basket.<\/p>\n
But the Ravens also have enough size in seniors Sam Melick (6-6) and Skyler Cichy (6-5) to create considerable problems for opponents.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe didn\u2019t win every game this summer and we do have some issues to overcome,\u201d Adams said. \u201cBut I love these kids. There\u2019s a nice mix here.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
BOYS HOOPS: AT A GLANCE<\/p>\n
\u2022 Favorite: Federal Way.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Contenders: Auburn, Jefferson, Kentwood.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Sleepers: Auburn Riverside, Kentlake.<\/p>\n
\u2022 League outlook: This year, the \u201coutlook\u201d is more along the lines of \u201clook out.\u201d The reason being that it\u2019s likely going to take a natural disaster to keep Federal Way, which took second at state last year, from winning the North. There\u2019s considerable talent throughout the league, but nobody can match up with the Eagles\u2019 depth, talent and experience. Federal Way returns three all-leaguers (Jeff Forbes, Andre Barrington and Cole Dickerson) and nabbed Decatur first-teamer Michael Hale, a lightning-quick guard who creates havoc on both sides of the ball. Throw in a pair of highly-touted transfers \u2014 6-6 sophomore Jaleel Williams from Texas and 6-10 J.T. Koontz of Oregon \u2014 and starting guard Isiah Umipig and there\u2019s plenty of reason for opponents to fear the Eagles. That said, in a league where the top five advance to the postseason, there\u2019s likely going to be a logjam for the other four slots. Behind man child Josh Smith (6-10, 285), who is the most highly-touted junior in the nation according to rivals.com, and guard Tre Tyler, Kentwood should challenge for one of the top slots. Auburn, moving up from the SPSL 3A, graduated co-MVPs T.J. Stafford and Ryan Snowden, but will remain strong behind Jeff Gouveia (7.86 ppg.) and 6-foot-5 center Isaiah Johnson. Meanwhile, Auburn Riverside returns four starters, led by senior Mitch Hagerty (16.1 ppg.) and should make a successful transition to the Class 4A SPSL North. Kentridge, which has been at the top of the league the last two years, graduated four starters. Regardless, Jamison is regarded as one of the finest coaches around and has a nice stable of guards, led by sophomore sensation Gary Bell, and that should help the Chargers to earn a playoff berth once again. Like Kentridge, Kentlake graduated four starters, but has enough potential behind Jeff Budinich, a 6-10 Montana State-bound center, and 6-5 post Carson Crooks to be a threat. Tahoma falls into the same boat as Kentridge and Kentlake, having graduated four starters. Despite that, the Bears can boast of having one of the league\u2019s premier sophomore classes, led by 6-7 center Christian Behrens, who has enough athletic ability and a soft enough touch to quickly become one of the league\u2019s elite players. Kent-Meridian graduated three honorable mention selections (Andre Moore, Beau Briceno and Jentez Drinker), but as always has plenty of athleticism and will lean heavily upon junior guard Borento Ahmed and senior forward Marlowe Brim. Thomas Jefferson, which won just two league games a year ago, is on a fast ascension and considered one of the teams to watch. Xavyr Moss (11.4 ppg.) and Spenser Sydney (12.8 ppg.) are two of the North\u2019s top players and should help the Raiders win more than two games all by themselves.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Notable: Former Kentridge star Renado Parker, last year\u2019s co-MVP of the North, is now playing at North Idaho College in Coeur d\u2019Alene. Through the first five games of the season, Parker was averaging 20 points per game. … Brian Lockhart has taken over for Hank Sylvan at Kent-Meridian. … Ryan Chase, one of just two-returning Tahoma seniors, might miss the entire season with a broken hand suffered playing soccer. … Kentwood product Jeremy Green, a first-teamer last year, is now playing at Saint Martin\u2019s University in Lacey. Jake Wilcox, an honorable mention guard for the Conks last year, is playing at Green River Community College. … Auburn\u2019s Ryan Snowden, co-MVP of the SPSL 3A last year, is playing at Central Washington. Former Auburn star Dan Stafford (2005) is now playing at Eastern Oregon University in La Grande.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
CIRCLE ON THE CALENDAR<\/p>\n
Tuesday, Dec. 16: Tahoma at Kentlake \u2014 This is a great early-season chance to see rising star Christian Behrens (Tahoma) and Montana State-bound Jeff Budinich (KL).<\/p>\n
Saturday, Jan. 17: Kentwood at Federal Way \u2014 A battle between two of the league\u2019s top teams, not to mention several of the area\u2019s elite players.<\/p>\n
Tuesday, Jan. 27: Kentridge at Auburn Riverside \u2014 KR graduated a ton of talent, but always is among the league\u2019s best; AR has the talent to take the next step.<\/p>\n
Thursday, Jan. 29: Kentridge at Kentwood \u2014 These two teams traditionally pack the house. Adding to the excitement is the chance to see KR\u2019s Bell and KW\u2019s Smith at one time.<\/p>\n
Friday, Feb. 6: Auburn at Auburn Riverside \u2014 Both teams are expected to be in the playoff hunt. This will be the season finale. A playoff berth and seeding could be at stake.<\/p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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