HS Team Preview: River Ridge

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After making a playoff run into the Elite 8 last season, River Ridge will look a bit different this season having graduated key contributors, Braden Pierce, Jared Russo, Michael Martinez and Trey Kopf. That being said, I wouldn't call this year's team inexperienced. They return [player_tooltip player_id='1049232' first='David' last='Hansraj'] and Jay McCord in the backcourt, both of which played large roles on last year's team. [player_tooltip player_id='820292' first='Jackson' last='Head'] will be coming off an injury year and will likely have a chip on his shoulder. The pair of 2024 forwards, [player_tooltip player_id='1477733' first='Garrett' last='Fettinger'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1063052' first='Wesley' last='Harrison'], will also both see increased roles and could be in store for breakout seasons. Altogether, this team will have new look but could have a lot of the same success next year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Roster</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2023 6'2 G [player_tooltip player_id='1049232' first='David' last='Hansraj']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hansraj will be a 4-year starter and provide a lot of senior leadership. He's a lefty, combo guard that can score at all 3 levels and will likely have to carry a lot of the scoring load this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2023 5'11 G Jay McCord</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McCord also brings experience to the backcourt, having played a significant role in last year's playoff run. The senior guard is tough-minded and brings a lot of energy. He knows how to score it and will probably see an increase in shot attempts this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2023 6'3 F [player_tooltip player_id='820292' first='Jackson' last='Head']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='820292' first='Jackson' last='Head'] returns after sitting out last season due to injury. He'll bring a level of grit over from the football field and will likely be a high-impact guy for this team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 6'6 F [player_tooltip player_id='1063052' first='Wesley' last='Harrison']</strong> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1063052' first='Wesley' last='Harrison'] is a versatile forward that can get it done both inside and out. He shoots it well from the perimeter but also scores it well around the basket. He also rebounds it well and does a lot of the little things to help his team win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 6'6 F [player_tooltip player_id='1477733' first='Garrett' last='Fettinger']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fettinger is another interesting forward prospect with a ton of upside. His arsenal of post moves has been noticeably growing and that will ultimately take his game to the next level. Fettinger could very well see a huge jump in production this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 6'2 F Ian Helms</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While Helms may not possess the size that the other two 2024 forwards do, Helms impacts the game tremendously with his high-motor and toughness around the hoop. Helms will certainly contribute to the rebounding efforts as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->