Spokane had a big year in coach Kyle Johnson’s second year last year. The Owls won a district championship before falling to Crocker in the Class 2 sectional round to finish 17-11 overall.
They graduated just two seniors from that team, but they will be missed as Jack Rigdon and Chase Horton were the team’s second and third leading scorers and key leaders in the huddle.
“(We will miss) their leadership. They also played very well off of each other and were ultimate team guys,” Johnson said.
The cupboard is far from bare this season and that starts with senior Isaiah Bean. Bean led the team in scoring (17.8 ppg) and rebounding (7.8 rpg) as a junior. He also knocked down a team-high 66 3-point shots.
“His ability to shoot the ball from three but also get to the rim off the dribble make him really tough to guard. He is very physical and strong which allows him to be aggressive when rebounding and attacking the rim,” Johnson said. “I expect Isaiah to be our captain and leader this year. I think he is poised for a huge senior season and I expect him to take that next step, elevate his game and lead us to wins this season.”
Behind Bean, sophomores Zayne Gale and Jackson Bray return after having immediate success as freshmen last season. Gale averaged 7.7 points and 5.4 rebounds per game last season. Bray chipped in 6 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.8 steals per game.
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“Zayne and Jackson have come a long way since last season. They have both put in a ton of work to get better and make themselves forces at the varsity level. Zayne is our big but has just as much touch and perimeter shooting as anyone on our team. He can beat you inside and out. Jackson is just a special athlete. His ability to create for himself is what separates him. He’s going to be a very good scoring point guard for us the next three years,” Johnson said. “Their roles have completely taken a 180. Last year they really didn’t have to score or be leaned on for us to be successful. This year however, they have to score, rebound, defend and will be huge factors in our team winning or losing games.”
Senior Peyton Bonzer, junior Doug Gold and sophomores Daniel Newell, Grant Stewart and Sam Shuman all return from last year’s team with expanded roles this season. Bonzer is a strong defender who has a chance to start at the two this year. Gold will draw the assignment of guarding the other team’s best player most nights. Newell is a versatile player that will compete for time at the three. Stewart is an athletic shooter. Shuman will back up Bray at the point this season.
The sophomore trio of Jacob Wasson, Jacob Wiggins and Brayden Pryer and freshman Jaden McCoy will be newcomers to watch on the varsity floor this year.
Spokane will need new players to take on leadership roles this year after the graduation of Rigdon and Horton.
“If our leaders step up and lead I don’t have too many big worries about this team,” Johnson said. “We will also have to continue to defend and buy into being a defend-first type of team.”
This deep returning group will have a chance to make a run at another district championship this season.
“I think we have a chance to be really solid. I think we will compete well. We have a tough bunch of guys that don’t like to lose. We play a tough schedule and I think that makes us better come district time, so if we can stay healthy, I think we can make a conference run and another district run this season,” Johnson said.
Spokane opens the season on Nov. 16 at New Covenant.
