On November 14, the varsity boys’ basketball team started tryouts with a huge chip on their shoulder. After losing many key seniors from last year’s team, the Warriors have been pretty much disregarded by many prognosticators. Many players feel that those expectations are wildly inaccurate.
"This year, you can expect a great season from Sherwood basketball," says senior guard Brad Bolen. "We will surprise many teams with our unknown talent. We have a great combination of dynamic guards and a force in the paint." Bolen is not only the key to a good season for the team, but is projected to be one of the best players in the county this year.
Senior point guard Matt Chiogioji agrees with Bolen’s optimistic view on the season. "I think that we will be a lot better than last year, and it is reasonable that we get to at least the third round of the playoffs," he says.
To get to that elite status, the Warriors will have to play against a competitive Montgomery County 4A that has lost its most talented team with the Blake Bengals moving down to 3A. Although this is true, the Warriors still have a lot on their plate. "Springbrook is going to be very good again this year, and so will [Richard Montgomery]," says Chiogioji.
Chiogioji is confident about his team’s chances against the best in 4A Montgomery County. "Even though these teams are good, we are going to be really good this year and we have the ability to beat anyone."
To be competitive in this year’s 4A West, the Warriors will have to try and fix glaring weaknesses and build on their strengths. No one is more aware of a team’s strengths and weaknesses than the coach, Dondrell Whitmore. "The weakness of this year’s team is half of the players are new to our system," says Whitmore, "So to improve in this area we just have to practice, practice and more practice until we get it right."
Along with having many young players, there are always tough challenges. "I think the biggest challenge of coaching a young team is getting them to trust in you," says Whitmore.
He also believes that losing key post players from last year is another hurdle that will need to be overcome. "The hardest player to replace will be Sosthene Kapepula because he was a great rebounder for us last year," says Whitmore. Kapepula averaged 10 points and 10 rebounds a game last year, and was instrumental to their playoff run. There, to hopefully fill that hole will be Blair Kelly, a senior center whose height and soft touch around the rim will be key for the Warriors this season.
On the positive side, Whitmore believes that experienced players from last year will be a strong point. "The returning players are ready to play right away and they are willing to help the newcomers," says Whitmore.
To have productive practices, Bolen hopes to lead by example in order to help his young team mates. "I am hoping that our young team can learn through observation of me and the returning seniors."