Turnaround Young Shadle Hoops Squad Learns From Early Difficulties

In a season where every outing has been an adventure, for a period of three weeks Shadle Park’s boys basketball team came closest to being a sure thing amid the Greater Spokane League’s unpredictability.

The young team was 2-6 the first half of the league season and lost five straight games.

Then Shadle suddenly became as hot as anyone in league.

During the second half of the GSL season, the Highlanders won five in a row, including wins over the league’s second- and third-place teams, to entertain playoff thoughts.

For Coach Darcy Weisner the explanation was simple.

“I think everybody would agree that being as young as we were had an impact on how we played,” he said. “I don’t know if the kids really understood the level of competition and what they had to put out.”

Shadle Park has only two seniors on its roster. Although last year’s junior varsity had a 19-1 record, there were adjustments to make.

“There’s a big difference going from JV to varsity,” said Weisner.

He cited the intensity of play, distractions of playing in the Arena in front of a band and bigger crowds, and performing under scrutiny from the media.

Shadle’s coaching staff had stressed that to the young players.

“Until they experienced it, I don’t think it sunk in,” said Weisner.

Beginning with a 19-point victory at University, things fell in place for the Highlanders. A team that had lost six league games by an average of 15 points suddenly couldn’t do anything but win.

Part of the success can be attributed to the addition of Nate Dunham in the lineup.

Dunham came from Northwest Christian with his brother, Graham, last year but transferred back. He returned to Shadle at the start of this school year and didn’t play until the Highlanders’ third league game.

Since he became eligible, Dunham has averaged 12 points per game.

During the five-game win streak, he improved to 16 per game, including 26 and 20 in wins over Lewis and Clark and Gonzaga Prep.

His addition has helped fellow juniors Oliver Cook and Chris Anderson improve their scoring.

Cook averaged 8.5 per game the first half of the season and 14 points during the winning streak.

Leading scorer Anderson averaged 10.5 points the first half of the season and 12.7 the second half.

“Nate has been a real good addition,” said Weisner. “He and Oliver complement each other quite a bit. And we have a good (inside) guy in Chris.”

Senior Shawn Kingsbury, added Weisner, has been the inspirational leader for the team. Others, including senior Joe Baune, have made key contributions throughout the year.

“We’ve identified roles, and the kids have fit right in,” said Weisner. “These kids know where their bread and butter is on the offensive end and know what to do on the defensive end.”

Despite two successive losses since the five-game run, the Highlanders are keeping their fingers crossed. With help tonight from Mead, they could yet tie for the sixth playoff spot.

Whatever the outcome, Weisner is satisfied with his team’s effort.

“I’m looking forward to the rest of the year and really looking forward to next year,” he said.

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