Nevada Season Preview: Spanish Springs Cougars
In his 15 years at Spanish Springs coach Kyle Penney has created one of the most consistent programs in the state. The Cougars have been knocking on the door of a state title for the last few seasons. They’ve won…
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Continue ReadingIn his 15 years at Spanish Springs coach Kyle Penney has created one of the most consistent programs in the state. The Cougars have been knocking on the door of a state title for the last few seasons. They’ve won their conference the last 3 years in a row and are one of the favorites to do it again this season. Two years ago they lead Gorman by 7 at halftime before succumbing to the eventual Champs in the State Semifinals. Last Season they won 23 games and another conference title. After another deep playoff run, they fell to Arbor View in the quarterfinals. This year they return one of the best 1-2 punches in the state and have several newcomers ready to contribute, including football stars Hunter Parsons and Triston Szabo who are expected to be key role players for the team. They also will be counting heavily on the contributions of Alec Cerfoglio. Who coach Penney describes as “One of our go-getter guys.” ” He’s a player that takes charges, gets on the ground and grabs tough rebounds for us. He doesn’t care about scoring it, he cares about getting us extra possessions.” Recently I had an opportunity to sit down and talk with coach Penny and learn a little more about his program, the Reno Basketball scene and what it is going to take for the Cougars to get over the hump this year.
Q: What is it that you want people to know about Northern Nevada Basketball?
A: “We work hard and put in a lot of time. The coaches are just as good as well.” We certainly do have some very good players in our area and I think that has kind of shown in the state championships the last few years.
Q: Can you talk to me about some of the other players in the area that people should know about?
A: “Trey Stevensons – Reed Kareem Rowe – McQueen Isaiah Wood – Galena Cort Ballinger – Bishop Manogue”
Q: What are some of the things you guys will have to do to win conference again this year?
A: “For us, it’s about getting better as the (season) goes on and to continue doing what we’ve been doing we are going to have to be fundamental and do the little things.”
Q: What do you think your team learned from your playoff game against Arbor View last season?
A: “We didn’t move the ball, we got behind and thought we could get it back all at once. We didn’t do a very good job of ball and body movement”.
Key Returners
Mason Whittaker 6’5 SG 2020 (#44 2020) – Whittaker has been a starter since his sophomore season. A high academic performer, Whittaker will be one of the best players in the North this season. He has a terrific motor and is the best defensive player on the team. Last year he averaged nearly 2 steals per game. “This season he will have to do a lot more of everything but according to coach Penney, he is “More than Capable.” Perhaps the best praise that can be given. is that “He is someone that you would want to have an influence on your own kids” – KP. Currently, he is receiving interest from some NAIA schools, and a lot of D2 and D3 schools.
Cordell Stinson 6’6 PF 2020 (#46 2020) – Stinson is a dominating inside presence for the cougars. A tenacious rebounder that lead the team with 8 per game last season. He has a soft touch around the basket and has shown the ability to score off direct post entries. He will also be a key perimeter player for the squad, which is where he fits at the next level if given an opportunity. He’s an underrated outside shooter who shot over 42% from the 3pt line last season. He and Whittaker will be counted on to do the majority of the heavy lifting this season. Like Whittaker, Stinson is also receiving interest from some NAIA, and D3’s.
Trey Hummel 6’2 SG 2020 – Hummel is another one of the football players expected to fill the production roles from last season. He’s a high IQ player who contributed some in the past but is expected to play a much larger role this year. Hummel saw action in 25 games last season. He’s a solid defender who averaged nearly 1 steal per game in limited minutes.
Wade Hollenback 5’10 PG 2020 – Hollenback is a 4-year program player with an opportunity to step in this year and fill some bigger shoes. He is an intangible type player, that does all the little things necessary for the success of the team. Last year he saw action in 15 games.