By Chris Parker
Verona boys basketball will lead on the leadership of senior Jaiden Carrasquillo and Colton Hillhouse this year.
Carrasquillo is a four-year starter who averaged 23 points per game last year. He has been an all-conference and all-district selection each of the past two seasons.
“Jaiden is our hardest worker and has put hours upon hours over many years to become a standout player,” Verona head coach Brad Stewart said. “Jaiden brings a great deal of skill and intensity to both practice and games.”
Hillhouse is entering his third year as a starter. He averaged eight points per game and led the team in assists last year.
“Colton is our glue guy who continually makes plays that make us better. He is the ultimate team player and is a true stretch four man,” Stewart said.
Sophomore guard Jake Stellwagen will help take some of the scoring load off Carrasquillo’s shoulders. He averaged 17 points per game as a freshman on his way to second-team all-conference honors.
Classmates Andrew Martinez, Noah Freiburger and Sam Pinkley give Verona three more sophomores with varsity experience to lean on. Martinez averaged six points per game as a freshman. Freiburger was the leader of the JV team while averaging 10 minutes per game on varsity last year. Pinkley was primarily a JV starter last year.
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Senior Seth Freiburger will be the team’s top post defender. Junior Westin Shrum is an excellent defender and rebounder.
Deuce Francisco and Felipe Alvarado are two seniors who will return after not playing last year.
“Deuce is a player we are extremely excited about getting back this season. Deuce was our second-leading scorer as sophomore and his length and athleticism would give us a very long and talented backcourt,” Stewart said. “Felipe is strong, tough and a great passer. Felipe very well could play many meaningful minutes this year, after also setting out his junior season.”
Junior Isaac Alvarado and freshmen Jessy Gamel and Jack Amaya will be three other players pushing for varsity minutes.
Senior Mason Withnell is a 6’3 transfer that has great upside.
“We have more depth than we have had in many years. We could go 8-10 deep with 5-8 guys who can get double figures on any given night,” Stewart said. “Jaiden and Jake Stellwagen combined for 40 points per game. The group gained a ton of experience both last year and also this summer.”
Stewart will be introducing some new schemes on both ends of the floor, which will require some adjustments.
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“We plan on changing how we play both defensively and offensively and how quickly we adjust will be key,” Stewart said. “Depth means players will have to accept roles. We also must also develop inside scoring to give a balanced attack.”
Verona will travel to Miller on Nov. 15 for a jamboree with Greenfield and Miller. The Wildcats open the regular season Nov. 20-24 with their home tournament.
“Verona has a great tradition that this group hopes to add to,” Stewart said. “Our community has blessed us with a gymnasium and facilities second to none for a school our size. The kids love to play basketball and are excited to get going.”
