New Coaches Take Over At Valley Christian
Coaching changes continue at Valley Christian School where the boys basketball team has its third coach in four years and the girls team its third coach in as many seasons.
Tim Hildebrand, 25, has taken over the boys program after coaching three years in the Bahamas.
New girls coach is Dan Hopson, who has spent the past five seasons as an assistant.
During season openers this week the Panther boys made Hildebrand’s debut a success against Rosalia. The girls lost their initial game.
“We missed 35 eight-footers,” said Hopson. “A more controlled offense will set up (good) shots.”
Size is advantage for boys
Hildebrand said he doesn’t know much about past Valley Christian players or teams but he likes what he sees in the present.
“I know that what I have is a good group of guys,” he said. “We have four strong big men and five solid guards.”
If it works out he’d like to have three of his tall players on the floor at once to create mismatches for foes.
“I’m not satisfied I can do that because one would have to play guard,” he said.
Seniors Jeremy Sandin, who scored 21 points at Rosalia, and Aaron Asbury, both 6-foot-3, are his most talented players. Junior Jay King and sophomore Brian Sears at 6-4 provided added height.
“I’m kind of in a situation where I can change tempos,” said Hildebrand. “Obviously the size helps.”
His guards include newcomer Tim Teterud, a junior who scored 13 points, sophomore Michael Spuler and juniors Jason Schlafmann, Tim Dahl and Steve Stager.
Rounding out the varsity are senior Cary Holcomb, junior J.J. Gass and freshman Jeremy Decker.
“People don’t expect much of us, but I’m very encouraged right now,” said Hildebrand, who expects more of his team. “It will be a good team to be able to watch.”
Same players, new look for girls
Valley Christian’s girls program has not been as competitive in the Bi-County League as have been the boys.
Hopson wants to change all that.
“Our team goal is a 50-50 season and we want to get in the Bi County tournament,” he said.
Utilizing the speed of players who were on the Panther state championship relay team, pressure defense and a disciplined motion offense, he’s confident it can happen.
“It’s there as far as maturity level,” he said.
Juniors Tiffany Ferderer, who moved here last year from Oregon, Carmen Evans and Nicole Monforton, varsity players since their freshman year, lead the way.
Other juniors on the team are first-year player Carmen Cupp, Deanne Crosswhite, Teresa Dixon and Joy Hopson. Sophomores are Sarah Diaz and Tami Dixon.
Lone senior is team captain Celina Black.
“It’s a whole different team than people have seen before,” said Hopson. “It should be fun.”
, DataTimes