Wildcats return experience, gain numbers

Cole Wyatt returns for his third year leading the Banner County Wildcats basketball club after last year's 0-17 season with four returning letter earners and returning assistant coach Trey Mosbey.

The Cats struggled last year lacking both numbers and experience and being forced to forfeit several games.

The team battled through the challenges and played hard at every given opportunity, and begin this season with four returning starters and four more newcomers. Wyatt will expect hard work from his entire team, and adds that his returning athletes will have to lead the team.

Senior Cole Blanke, a 6'1" center and senior Micah Wicker, a forward who also stands 6'1", will lead the team next to junior James Sandberg, a 5'10 guard and Seth Dvorak, a 5'10" forward. Dvorak earned his letter for the Cats in his freshman year.

"I expect them to lead by example with their experience and work hard to compete in every game," Wyatt said.

Newcomers include two juniors, Payton Wick, 5'11", and Quentin Munoz, 5'9", who will both be guards. Sophomore Steven McDonnell, 6'1", and San Juan Whelchel, 6'0" will both come in as forwards.

"I expect Payton Wick and Steven McDonnell to step into leadership roles and compete for starting jobs," Wyatt said.

In addition to some height and experience, Wyatt said his team's strength will be their willingness to give 100 percent on both sides of the ball.

"We need to improve on our offensive efficiency and turnovers. Offensively we will look to push the ball in transition and get easy buckets off of playing hard defense. We look to play an in-your-face style of defense and capitalize off of turnovers," Wyatt added. "Our biggest challenge will be overcoming our numbers. It will be hard with only eight players but I expect the players to work hard and overcome."