Mt. Spokane co-captain a strong leader, player
What’s a guy to do?
That’s the question Mt. Spokane High School senior co-captain Jordan Poynor had to ponder, his Wildcats having lost two straight basketball games after an opening-game Greater Spokane League victory.
The Wildcats defeated Gonzaga Prep in their opener, then led Ferris at halftime before falling to the Saxons. After that, they played Rogers in the Pirates’ debut in their new gym, falling behind in the first half and dropping a 47-43 decision.
Poynor’s job?
“I have to help get the team ready, work hard at practice and get them focused,” he said. “We can only look at the game ahead of us. The Ferris game was big, and we were really prepared mentally for them. We were excited for that one, and disappointed when we lost.
“We went into Rogers feeling like we should win, but they played like they wanted it more. I felt like I let my team down in that game because I took my role too lightly.”
The Wildcats practiced hard after that one, said coach Bill Ayers, and Poynor agreed that it was one of their most intense workouts of the young season. It must have worked – Mt. Spokane bounced back the following Tuesday to defeat intra-district rival Mead 49-42.
“We went early that Saturday,” said Ayers, “and we went long and hard. Jordan was a big part of making sure that the guys weren’t throwing in the towel three games into the season. He’s a guy who exemplifies getting better every day in every way.
“He’s a three-year varsity player and two-year starter, who has really added some things to his game this year. He used to be an outside shooter only, but this year he’s much stronger physically and he’s not afraid to take it to the hoop. He’s a tough kid who doesn’t back down, and he pushes the other kids physically to improve their game.”
Poynor takes his leadership role seriously. He’s one of three captains, along with senior Ryan Selland and junior Chaz Johnson.
“It puts a lot on me,” he said, “but I’m glad I’m a captain. It puts me in a position where I need to lead by example. I’m not ordinarily a vocal guy — I usually lead by example. Selland’s more vocal, the inspirational guy who gets us working hard together.”
Ayers pointed out how important those three players are to Mt. Spokane’s success this season.
“We’ve got lots of inexperience on our bench,” he said, “so our leadership will be key. I’m really pleased with our bench kids so far, and the great thing about our top six is that they want our other kids to come on, knowing we need that kind of depth. We lost some guys this year (Jarek Cunningham to injury, another letterman decided not to play), so we’ve got some holes to fill.
“The thing about Jordan is not just that he’s a valuable player, but he’s a valuable person, and not just basketballwise, but also off the court. He’s very loyal to his teammates, the program and our coaching staff, and he’s a pleasure to work with.
“Jordan makes good decisions and handles himself as well in the halls as he does on the court. I never have to worry about him.”
That kind of trust is important to Poynor, who hopes to play at the college level next year. He’s a baseball player as well, an outfielder and pitcher. And Ayers couldn’t find a player who better subscribes to his coach’s philosophy that friendships and togetherness are developed by players pushing each other to excel, not by being soft but by battling every day.