Team Preview: Boulder City Eagles

When John Balistere invites you into his gym you go. The coach eats, sleeps, and breaths basketball. Given the chance to dine with the likes of NBA Champion HC Greg Popovich and National Champion coach Jay Wright, what does the Boulder City Coach want to discuss? "Give me your best out-of-bounds play". He asks. Play’s, sets, and strategies are what the coach has used to turn BC into a conference powerhouse, with the Eagles winning the last 3 Sunrise League Crowns. While other teams may be more athletic, the coach uses angles and misdirection to "take pressure off my guards" and "Use opponents quickness against them" His philosophy has transformed into a culture, with phrases unique to the BC lexicon like "Open Read’ or "Wall on Wheel" After the disappointment of not getting to coach his 2020-21 squad, which he calls, "His best team ever" Balistere welcomes an entirely new crop of Eagles, with the exact same expectations. "My expectations are for us to win our league" We’re still champs until someone tells me otherwise" HC: John Balistere 10th Season Division 3A 2019 - 2020 Record 20-11 Newcomers: <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/Martin-Thompson-e1631820626769.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1284343 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/Martin-Thompson-e1631820626769-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /></a>Martin Thompson 5’11 SG 2022 - Thompson is one of the most experienced players on the team, having been brought up for state two seasons ago. BC will be counting on Thompson for his perimeter defense, and the 5’11 two-guard seems ready. "My role is to hustle and rebound," says Thompson.             <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/Bruce-Woodbury-e1631820528709.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1284340 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/Bruce-Woodbury-e1631820528709-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /></a>Bruce Woodbury 5’9 PG 2023 - Woodbury will provide grit and toughness to the team. The PG admits to being a bit "rusty" after not having seen much action over the last two years. "Last time I played I was a freshman" The junior guard identifies "guarding the other team’s main guard" as his primary role on the team.           <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/Bret-Pendleton-e1631820283422.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1284334 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/Bret-Pendleton-e1631820283422-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /></a>[player_tooltip player_id="1284314" first="Bret" last="Pendleton"] 6’1 SG 2023 - Pendleton is a high academic guy, that brings his IQ to the court. The 4.0 student is one of the team’s top snipers. Pendleton relishes his role as a floor spacer, saying he’s out there to "shoot 3’s". He also acknowledges the tradition of BC admitting, "Were all aware of how good we’ve been".             <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/Brayden-Jones-e1631820147999.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-1284330 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/Brayden-Jones-e1631820147999-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="214" height="285" /></a>[player_tooltip player_id="1284315" first="Brayden" last="Jones"] 6’2 SG 2023 - Jones is another high academic guy on the team. The junior wing will bring defensive versatility and rebounding to the team. He has the size to defend both wing positions and is capable of knocking down open 3’s.             <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/Jack-Walker-e1631820037465.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-1284328 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/Jack-Walker-e1631820037465-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="191" height="255" /></a>[player_tooltip player_id="1284099" first="Jack" last="Walker"] 6’2 PF 2025 - The future is bright in BC with players like Walker. The freshmen forward is in the process of developing ballskills, showing the ability to play away from the basket in the scrimmage. He’s most effective right now around the basket, finishing with his strong hands. His development throughout the season will be key to the success of the program now and in the future.         Sleepers: <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/Hayden-Sullivan-e1631819602574.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-1284316 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/Hayden-Sullivan-e1631819602574-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="195" height="260" /></a>[player_tooltip player_id="1281000" first="Hayden" last="Sullivan"] 6’0 PG 2022 - Sullivan is going to be an absolute problem. The PG has a solid frame and is an explosive athlete. He can play above the rim, but also uses his bounce to get lift on his jump shot. Balistere, a defensive-minded coach loves the PG’s ability to defend perimeter opponents. Sullivan could be poised for a breakout season, expect him to use his quickness and athleticism to be one of the leading scorers in the league.         Top Prospect: <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/Gavin-Douglas-e1631819772857.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-1284321 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/Gavin-Douglas-e1631819772857-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="165" height="220" /></a>[player_tooltip player_id="859660" first="Gavin" last="Douglas"] 6’7 SF 2022 - Douglas is the only returner that has seen any taste of Varsity action. He’s on the list of breakout candidates, as his athleticism alone is going to be difficult for 3A squads to handle. Douglas is at his best when he can get out and run in transition, but it will be his ability to rebound, that will determine the team’s success. He played on the Addidas Circuit this summer with the Las Vegas Knicks and said "facing really good competition (this summer) will help this season".     <a href="https://twitter.com/7outzbballclub1">Follow Prep Hoops</a>