Team Preview: Heritage Huskies Still Hungry After Historic Season

<p>Heritage is coming off an historic season, reaching the third round of the playoffs for the first time in school history. Coach Gibson Pyper and staff have done a great job in a small amount of time. In 2022-2023, a year prior to the new regime, the Huskies finished 4-20. After going 16-12 in his first season, Pyper led the Huskies to an 18-11 record, going 9-2 in the Northern Six 6A/7A conference.</p>   <p>Those 18 wins were the most since 2017-2018 to compliment the historic playoff run that fell just short of going to the 4<sup>th</sup> round. Coming into this season, the Huskies are young and hungry. They lose leading scorer and do it all wing Ryder Strand along with two other seniors who combined for 19 points per game. Replacing that type of production must be done in the aggregate and the Huskies have some new and improved pieces ready to surge.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Backcourt Duo</h2>    <p>The leader and best of the bunch is our 6<sup>th</sup> ranked player in the class of 2029. [player_tooltip player_id='3483142' first='Christian' last='Hargett'] is coming off an incredible freshman year. He broke the Heritage freshman scoring record after averaging 17 points on 47/40/83 shooting splits. He followed that up with a successful travel season with Top Shot, helping lead them to an Elite 8 appearance on the UAA circuit.</p>   <p>Christian has gotten bigger and stronger since last year and Coach Pyper has high expectations for him. In our discussion, Coach Pyper is planning on utilizing Christian more as a ball handler to improve his playmaking. Already a good scorer, adding the playmaking could take his skillset to the next level. Being older and more experienced is something that will be beneficial to Christian, and in the words of Coach Pyper: <em>“Don't be surprised if he scores 50 on somebody this year, because he will”.</em></p>     <p>Joining Christian in the backcourt is another sophomore who will be in a bigger role. Last year he played a smaller more specific role but this season he's primed to break out. Cam is a versatile guard that can play on or off the ball. Has a good blend of speed, agility, and strength to be a complete nightmare for defenders. Off the dribble he has the quick first step to blow by defenders and touch the paint on a consistent basis. Finishing is no issue as he does so with either hand and even through contact.</p>   <p>Cam is coming off a season where he averaged five points but led the team in assists with four. He scored in double figures five times, including a standout performance in the second round of the playoffs against DH Conley. The staff is expecting a big improvement from him in this new role. His offensive output will be big for the Huskies, especially if he can make teams pay for doubling Christian</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Freshman To Watch:</h2>    <p>During my initial conversation with Coach Pyper and staff, they highlighted one player as soon as he walked in the gym. Another young piece, Jalen Webb, who is a freshman slated to be pivotal in the Huskies success this year. He is a strong physical guard with a good frame that he utilizes well when attacking downhill. Capable shooter but relies more on getting to the rim or showing off his mid-range and floater game.</p>   <p>There will be a lot expected of Jalen, but the staff is confident he can handle it. I was impressed with his IQ and ability to have a next play mentality. Playing through mistakes will be something needed by Jalen as one of the trio of ball handlers for the Huskies. Jalen is coming off an injury suffered last year where he was unable to play a ton but is back healthy and ready to provide quality minutes. Be sure to file the name away, Jalen will be a household name soon.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Potential X-Factor</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Didn't see much time last year but that changes with the loss of Ryder Strand. Isaiah has good size, length & athleticism. His motor always runs high and he was constantly communicating in drills during practice. Rebounding and defending will be what he's challenged to be at his best at. While still being raw offensively, he's capable of finishing around the rim and with the pace the staff wants to play with, his rim running will be effective.</p>    <p>As one of the younger teams in the 7A classifications, expect the Huskies to utilize their speed and skill as good as anyone. Coach Pyper is one of the best X's and O's coaches in the state and is always hard to prep for. During our discussion, the staff emphasized the pace they want to play at, which will be hard for teams to deal with for 32 minutes.</p>   <p>Replacing Ryder Strand is at the top of the staffs list and two players who will help are Maddox Painter and [player_tooltip player_id='3664222' first='Hudson' last='McAdoo']. Both are very versatile on both ends of the floor and bring a lot of energy. They will combine to form a formidable force on the wing to compliment the backcourt. The team may be young, but they will be connected & disciplined, well prepared and ready to compete led by one of the best guards in the state. Expect them to push for 20+ wins and a deep playoff run.</p>

Heritage is coming off an historic season, reaching the third round of the playoffs for the first time in school history. Coach Gibson Pyper and staff have done a great job in a small amount of time. In 2022-2023, a year prior to the new regime, the Huskies finished 4-20. After going 16-12 in his first season, Pyper led the Huskies to an 18-11 record, going 9-2 in the Northern Six 6A/7A conference.