By Chris Parker
Diamond boys basketball has a new head coach in Eric Henningsen coming off a 15-win season.
The Wildcats graduated both of their all-conference selections including the team’s leading scorer from last season’s team, so Diamond will have to find players to step up and replace the production.
Seniors will make this team go.
“We have six seniors who have been in the program all four years,” Henningsen said. “All have had some varsity experience and have a “whatever it takes to win” attitude. Their ability to lead by example is going to pay off for a great year and set high expectations for our program in the future.”
Ty McDermott, Tyler Daniels and Ayden Lorenzen are slated to be the team leaders this season.
Henningsen on McDermott: “He is a natural leader, and the rest of the team gravitates towards him. His size and athleticism makes him difficult to guard 1-on-1.”
Henningsen on Daniels: “Tyler is a competitor who hates to lose. He wants to win every drill in practice. Tyler has played a lot of varsity time in his career, but he will need to take on a prominent scoring role this year.”
Henningsen on Lorenzen: “Ayden is our toughest defensive player. He will guard our opponent’s best player each night. I know he takes that responsibility with pride.”
Blake Irwin, Jacob Atkinson and Jarron Hembree also return to the varsity team.
Henningsen on Irwin: “Great defense and has the ability to hurt teams from deep.”
Henningsen on Atkinson: “Strongest kid in the school. He is going to be our inside presence and key rebounder this year.”
Henningsen on Hembree: “Great work ethic and attitude. He has faced some setbacks with injuries but has been cleared to play this month. It will take some time to get him game ready, but we are excited to see him on the floor.”
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Luke Lorenzen and Grady Bentley will be newcomers to the varsity level.
Henningsen on Lorenzen: “I was on the fence if Luke would play JV or varsity this year going into the summer. Five months later, it is crystal clear that Luke will play at the highest level. He has worked so hard with his brother over the summer. His shooting will be needed when we need a spark on offense.”
Henningsen on Bentley: “Freshman who will contribute right away at the varsity level. He has grown so much and could play any position on the floor. I can’t wait to coach him for four years and watch him turn into a dominant player.”
Diamond opens the season Nov. 28 through Dec. 3 at its home tournament.
“Number one thing I want to be known for is toughness,” Henningsen said. “We will defend teams and bring pressure from full court and half court. Our goal is to speed up teams and force turnovers.”
