MEET THE TEAM
Andover will adjust to its third coach in the last four seasons as former assistant Chad Wilmott gets the promotion bump up to head coach. He already has the advantage of having worked with every one of his players as an assistant coach and the feeling out process shouldn't be as extended as it might be with a new hire.Even with the revolving door at head coach, Andover has established itself as a consistent winner in the league. Even through graduation that saw the Trojans' top three players leave, they will once again be solid in Wilmott's first season.
The reason for that will be the foundation of the team's three seniors, Brady Carter, Tyler Kvasnicka and Dallas Bruner and a host of other players that saw quality varsity minutes. Those three were spot starters on last season's 14-win squad that was a game away from the state tournament. This is their team now and they will be the main ones that will mold what identity the team takes under Wilmott.
Don't expect major overhauls from what Andover did in the past, but Wilmott will certainly have his own unique style to give the Trojans a different look. Andover has traditionally thrived on its halfcourt defense and that was the case once again last season, as it held 16 opponents under 50 points and won 13 of those games. If the Trojans can repeat an effort like that this season, they will once again be very successful.
Who will step up and score for this team is a question, but Carter appears to be capable of leading the team and Wilmott is confident the rest will fall into line. He's expected the Trojans to be 8-9 deep this season, which should allow the them to force their tempo on other teams more. This is a team some say could win a league title; the talent is certainly there, but beating crosstown rival Andover Central and Eisenhower are always difficult tasks.
In a league full of teams that will be looking to force the pace this season, Andover will have its hands full on defense. But Wilmott inherits a plenty capable roster, one that should once again have the Trojans above .500 and ready to contend for a berth to the Class 5A tournament.
MEET THE CAST
#11 | BRADY CARTER | POINT | 5'10" | SENIOR
The most steady returning player the Trojans have and will take on a leadership role for Andover. He's a steady guard that is reliable and should be capable of knocking down the mid-range jump shot when Andover needs him to.
#35 | DALLAS BRUNER | POST | 6'6" | SENIOR
A bruiser down low for Andover, Bruner will look to take the next step this season and become one of the best post players in the league. With starter's minutes, look for Bruner to increase both his point (4.5) and rebound (4.3) totals from last year.
#03 | TYLER KVASNICKA | WING | 6'3" | SENIOR
With most of Andover's scoring production graduated, Kvasnicka will be one of the ones Andover looks to for a boost. He has a good frame on the perimeter and can score in bunches.
#33 | ADAM DeKONING | POST | 6'4" | JUNIOR
Another big body down low for the Trojans that could pair with Bruner to make the top post duo in the league. They'll be formidable if DeKoning can step up in his expanded role and provide Andover solid defense.
#41 | DYLAN DRIVER | WING | 6'2" | JUNIOR
Provided a scoring punch off the bench last season and could see an increase in his role this year. One of the better scorers on the team, Driver could be what Andover needs to help lead the second unit and also play during crunch time.
#31 | AUSTIN BEAHM | WING | 6'2" | JUNIOR
Saw some minutes off the bench last season and will look to play a bigger role this season. He'll be called upon for his perimeter defense and has shown the ability to score when needed.
- Wilmott to Catch It Kansas
The most steady returning player the Trojans have and will take on a leadership role for Andover. He's a steady guard that is reliable and should be capable of knocking down the mid-range jump shot when Andover needs him to.
#35 | DALLAS BRUNER | POST | 6'6" | SENIOR
A bruiser down low for Andover, Bruner will look to take the next step this season and become one of the best post players in the league. With starter's minutes, look for Bruner to increase both his point (4.5) and rebound (4.3) totals from last year.
#03 | TYLER KVASNICKA | WING | 6'3" | SENIOR
With most of Andover's scoring production graduated, Kvasnicka will be one of the ones Andover looks to for a boost. He has a good frame on the perimeter and can score in bunches.
#33 | ADAM DeKONING | POST | 6'4" | JUNIOR
Another big body down low for the Trojans that could pair with Bruner to make the top post duo in the league. They'll be formidable if DeKoning can step up in his expanded role and provide Andover solid defense.
#41 | DYLAN DRIVER | WING | 6'2" | JUNIOR
Provided a scoring punch off the bench last season and could see an increase in his role this year. One of the better scorers on the team, Driver could be what Andover needs to help lead the second unit and also play during crunch time.
#31 | AUSTIN BEAHM | WING | 6'2" | JUNIOR
Saw some minutes off the bench last season and will look to play a bigger role this season. He'll be called upon for his perimeter defense and has shown the ability to score when needed.
FROM COACH WILMOTT
"We have a chance to play more guys this year. We should be deep enough to keep bodies on the floor and play a fast game. Our preseason conditioning went well. We had a good turnout and they worked hard and got better each day. Our sights are on a league title to start, and we'll see what happens from there."- Wilmott to Catch It Kansas
THE PREDICTION
Andover brings back the most experience of any team in the league, but it doesn't necessarily have a top-end player like some of the other schools. That might change, as Carter, Bruner, Kvasnicka and DeKoning all have the ability to break out. The Trojans won't suffer a drop-off in Wilmott's first year, as they should win around the same games as last year and be right back in the sub-state finals with a chance to go to state.
No comments:
Post a Comment