Basketball gets underway this upcoming week for those schools who are not still involved in football, so let's begin the dialogue about who might take the 'Doah this year. I personally don't think I can contribute much to the conversation because we couldn't go to the games last winter and the streaming of them left much to be desired, so I felt totally disconnected from the season. But I will make a comment or two on each school and then let the rest of you chime in with more inside information.
To refresh your memory, last year the teams played an abbreviated schedule. Fort Defiance finished on top at 7-3, Staunton and Wilson were right behind at 6-4, Buffalo Gap broke even at 5-5, and Riverheads and Stuarts Draft tied for fifth at 3-7. Waynesboro, who will be joining the district this year, played some non-district games against our teams to get themselves acquainted with the rest of us.
If I had to guess I would say that those top three that I just mentioned might be up there again for one reason or another. But again with so little to remember and go on, who can say? Here are my comments, in alphabetical order, to get the discussion started.........
Buffalo Gap.......As recently as year before last, the Bison were struggling big time and I believe they even had an 0-18 record one year. But last year, they were a more mature team and more than held their own. Their success this season will depend on how many of those guys graduated vs. how many are still around to continue their resurgence.
Fort Defiance......I seem to recall that the Indians had a big guy who was only a sophomore and that he had a very good year. I think the Cook kid that had been so good for them finally graduated, but if he too is still around, they could easily be the class of the district.
Riverheads....The Gladiators had an odd season as they won on the road at both Fort Defiance and Staunton, who as mentioned finished near the top. But the Big Red was almost snake bit at home and only won one district game there. Although I have not seen this year's roster, I can think of about 6-7 guys that "should" be back, so the raw material might be there for a good season. But the Gladiators have a new coach and that sometimes requires a year or so of adjustment. Of course, as always RHS will get off to a later start than everyone else due to the extended football season.
Staunton.......When you mention Staunton and basketball in the same sentence, you still think of the Hatcher influence even though he has been gone for a number of years. They have not dominated the Shenandoah the way I expected them to when they first came in, but they have been competitive. Also if I recall, they had a great JV team last year, so it will be a shock if they are not near the top again.
Stuarts Draft..........If I am not mistaken, this will be either the second or third year since SD abandoned its "threediculous" style of play. Last year, they needed a win at home over Riverheads to avoid finishing in last place all alone. Maybe the pride and athleticism of their football team will carry over but their days of routine 100-point games are now just a memory.
Waynesboro........They too have a brand new coach this year so like RHS, they may need that period of adjustment. Last year, Riverheads swept two games from them, which I think were the only non-district games the Big Red played. Waynesboro generally plays Wilson each year, so I assume that was the case as well. I do remember a JV kid from two years ago who could hit from the parking lot, or at least he did one night, so if he is still there, he might be strong enough all by himself to win them a few games.
Wilson......One thing the Hornets have going for them is stability, as Coach Hartman has been there long enough to have established himself with both the team and the community. If I remember correctly, last year they had a guy that transferred from Harrisonburg and I am pretty sure he was young, like maybe only a sophomore. He dominated some games as I recall, so if he is back, that will make them solid contenders again.
So there you have it. Feel free to chime in and let us know the more precise details on your school.
To refresh your memory, last year the teams played an abbreviated schedule. Fort Defiance finished on top at 7-3, Staunton and Wilson were right behind at 6-4, Buffalo Gap broke even at 5-5, and Riverheads and Stuarts Draft tied for fifth at 3-7. Waynesboro, who will be joining the district this year, played some non-district games against our teams to get themselves acquainted with the rest of us.
If I had to guess I would say that those top three that I just mentioned might be up there again for one reason or another. But again with so little to remember and go on, who can say? Here are my comments, in alphabetical order, to get the discussion started.........
Buffalo Gap.......As recently as year before last, the Bison were struggling big time and I believe they even had an 0-18 record one year. But last year, they were a more mature team and more than held their own. Their success this season will depend on how many of those guys graduated vs. how many are still around to continue their resurgence.
Fort Defiance......I seem to recall that the Indians had a big guy who was only a sophomore and that he had a very good year. I think the Cook kid that had been so good for them finally graduated, but if he too is still around, they could easily be the class of the district.
Riverheads....The Gladiators had an odd season as they won on the road at both Fort Defiance and Staunton, who as mentioned finished near the top. But the Big Red was almost snake bit at home and only won one district game there. Although I have not seen this year's roster, I can think of about 6-7 guys that "should" be back, so the raw material might be there for a good season. But the Gladiators have a new coach and that sometimes requires a year or so of adjustment. Of course, as always RHS will get off to a later start than everyone else due to the extended football season.
Staunton.......When you mention Staunton and basketball in the same sentence, you still think of the Hatcher influence even though he has been gone for a number of years. They have not dominated the Shenandoah the way I expected them to when they first came in, but they have been competitive. Also if I recall, they had a great JV team last year, so it will be a shock if they are not near the top again.
Stuarts Draft..........If I am not mistaken, this will be either the second or third year since SD abandoned its "threediculous" style of play. Last year, they needed a win at home over Riverheads to avoid finishing in last place all alone. Maybe the pride and athleticism of their football team will carry over but their days of routine 100-point games are now just a memory.
Waynesboro........They too have a brand new coach this year so like RHS, they may need that period of adjustment. Last year, Riverheads swept two games from them, which I think were the only non-district games the Big Red played. Waynesboro generally plays Wilson each year, so I assume that was the case as well. I do remember a JV kid from two years ago who could hit from the parking lot, or at least he did one night, so if he is still there, he might be strong enough all by himself to win them a few games.
Wilson......One thing the Hornets have going for them is stability, as Coach Hartman has been there long enough to have established himself with both the team and the community. If I remember correctly, last year they had a guy that transferred from Harrisonburg and I am pretty sure he was young, like maybe only a sophomore. He dominated some games as I recall, so if he is back, that will make them solid contenders again.
So there you have it. Feel free to chime in and let us know the more precise details on your school.
