By Chris Parker
Richland boys basketball made big strides in coach Matt Moulder’s first season at the helm by winning 18 games, which was an 11-win improvement from the year prior. The Bears posted an 18-9 record overall for their first winning season since 2013.
“Last season was a great first step in creating a winning culture for our program,” Moulder said. “This year we want to build on the foundation that we established, and get better in all areas – particularly: strength and conditioning, team unity, unselfishness, and mental toughness.”
Two starters return from that team in senior guard Ethan Fagre and junior guard Kaden Kardosz. Fagre scored 18 points per game and had eight rebounds. He is a two-time all-conference selection. Kardosz is a six-foot-five-inch guard that averaged eight points and five rebounds per game.
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The senior trio of Brayden Burd, Caleb Preble and Dakota Pemberton along with sophomore Noah Johnson are all returning lettermen.
Sophomores Veston Fearon, Daveton Fearon and Trevor Black are some of Richland’s top newcomers to watch.
“I believe this group has the opportunity to be a really fun team. We will have a nice blend of athleticism and length, with experienced veterans and talented newcomers. We should have quality depth and a lot of versatility,” Moulder said. “Our core philosophy is based on controlling what we can control: our effort and our attitude. We want to work extremely hard to get a little better every day at everything we do, and do that unselfishly and for each other. If we do those things, the wins and losses will take care of themselves.”
Richland opens the season on Nov. 22 at California.
