By Chris Parker
Spokane boys basketball enters the second season with Newt Starrett’s as head coach. The Owls finished 13-14 last season.
“I think the biggest key is that the players know what my expectations are and what our goals are,” Starrett said. “Another thing that helps is the boys know how I like to play and want the game to flow. We still have a lot of work to go but it is nice having all these players from last year.”
A trio of key players return from last season including seniors Riky Riott and Bo Essick and junior Ethan Newell.
Riott earned honorable mention all-conference honors last season after he averaged 8.2 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2 assists per game.
“Ricky brings the most varsity experience to our team,” Starrett said. “He will be leaned upon as a leader and also be taking the responsibilities of handling the basketball. Ricky will also need to shoot the three for us. He can shoot very well from all over the court. I look for him to have a great senior season.”
Essick contributed 1.7 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game last season.
“Bo brings a big defensive presence and a lot of energy to our team,” Starrett said. “He isn’t known for scoring a lot but relishes his role of being one of the team’s best defenders. Bo will also help get rebounds for us as well.”
Newell brings back averages of 4.7 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game.
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“Ethan is one player who looks poised to breakout this season for us,” Starrett said. “He finished the season off playing very well and I look to him to be a major key to our offense this season. He can shoot well and also drive to the basket if needed.”
David Blake (junior), Braiden Cecil (junior), Kasen Blaue (junior), Ridge Kipper (sophomore), Tristan Gold (sophomore), Kade Burk (sophomore) and Lawrence Hopkins (junior) were all listed as newcomers by Starrett.
Starrett on Blake: “David is an excellent shooter and sees the floor very well. He will look to gain more control of his ball handling and defense as well.”
Starrett on Cecil: “Braiden is new to us this year so I am looking forward to what he can do.”
Starrett on Blaue: “Kasen can shoot exceptionally well and knows the game of basketball well too. He is very long and can alter lots of shots.”
Starrett on Kipper: “Ridge is a big kid who can fill the middle and get lots of rebounds.”
Starrett on Gold: “Tristan’s motor does not ever quit. If he can figure his ball handling out, he may see some time.”
Starrett on Burk: “Kade is a big kid that jumps and runs well. He will look to get a bit stronger in order to see some significant time.”
Starrett on Hopkins: “Lawrence just does a lot of the little things correct. He can come in and give us some much needed minutes.”
This group of newcomers combined with the returners provides ample opportunity for scoring, but the defensive end will need improvement.
“I feel like we will be a much better offensive team this season as we have more threats to score. Last year we had two or three guys that could score but I feel like this year we have anywhere from four to six guys who will greatly contribute,” Starrett said. “We will have to improve our defense. Last year the team did a great job of changing our defense from primarily a zone into a man to man. The guys this year haven’t quite figured out how to be aggressive enough on defense and play the style of man I would like. I’m looking forward to the first weeks of practice to hone this in with them and get them excited about playing defense.”
Starrett wants his team to play fast this season.
“I hope we are known for running a lot,” Starrett said. “I would like to push the ball up the floor at every opportunity. I feel like we have the people to do it, we just have to adopt the mindset of pushing it. This summer I saw them start to realize how to do it.”
Spokane opens the regular season on Nov. 17 at home against New Covenant.
“Our schedule is tough, and I see lots of games that could go either way. I hope we grow throughout the season and learn to play together and be ready to play our best by districts. I know we want to win our conference, and also having good showings in all the tournaments we play in is always a goal of ours. Ultimately these guys want to win and understand the significance of winning a district title,” Starrett said. “I am looking forward to see what this team can do. They are hungry to get a lot of wins and bring the Spokane winning tradition back. Our main goal is centered around winning a district championship and I believe we have the personnel to achieve that goal.”
