By Nolan Epstein
Each year since 2013-14, the New Covenant Academy Warriors have made steady improvements on the hardwood – which have shown in their win-loss records as well. After battling through a winless season just three years ago, NCA is now poised to compete for a district title.
Last season, head coach Bill Hudgens guided his team to a record of 9-16 despite dropping nine of its first ten games, while also winning the opening round game of its district tournament before falling to School of the Ozarks.
Perhaps the biggest reason for a late-season surge after a nightmare start was an advantage in the assist-to-turnover ratio department. The Warriors were able to find far more success while researching that stat throughout the year and finding ways to win games while taking better care of the basketball.
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“Not only did careful monitoring in this area turn into more victories, it gave all our guys a goal to focus on that was not individualistic in nature, but a team-wide accomplishment,” Hudgens said, now in his second year. “When we broke down games, the most frequently asked questions centered around this stat.”
Hudgens hopes that carries over into this season – a season where New Covenant will be stepping up to compete in Class 2. That means stouter challenges within unfamiliar territory, but the competitive nature buzzing within the program has the Warriors eager to take on their tests with a full head of steam.
“I am especially excited about our practices this season,” said Hudgens. “We have a core of returning players, but the real key to our success will be how hard each squad member will push their teammates to improve and build a tough, competitive unit.”
New Covenant sees the loss of Cole Bassett, the senior leader from last year’s squad who utilized his quickness on the court to help march the team to its nine wins. However, plenty of offensive firepower returns this season to NCA.
Senior Silas Siebert will be the centerpiece of the club as the multi-sport star tallied 14.5 PPG during his junior year and can hurt opponents from long range or by driving to the basket.
He’ll be joined by fellow senior Duke Carlton, the floor leader for the Warriors. Hudgens is confident that Carlton’s quickness and jumping ability will set the table for the offense.
Tim Smith, a 6-foot-4 sophomore, will add in some needed height on the court. Averaging 13.4 PPG and 5.4 PPG last season, Smith is a valuable scoring threat for New Covenant and will divert some opponent attention from Siebert.
All told, Hudgens appears to have a roster that is built to compete and go toe-to-toe with any team on its schedule.
“Record aside, we will be tougher, better rebounders and compete at a high level for the full 32 minutes,” Hudgens said.
New Covenant travels to Blue Eye to tip-off its season on Nov. 22.
