League Predictions – Kelso Highlanders
After a 18-6 overall record last year, with 10 of those being league games. The Highlanders finished at the top of their district but it was not easy. A majority of their games were close ones. The Highlanders finished won their games by an average margin of 5 points. Both their loses came from Mountain View out of Bend, Oregon and Black Hills out of Tumwater, WA. The Highlanders were stacked with mostly junior and sophomore players last year and with the emergence of players like Nick Moore and John Roberts. I would not be surprised if they went undefeated in league play this year. The Highlanders played a tough game vs. Fort Vancouver on Saturday morning. They are a very small team with two players over 6 foot 2 and no bodies over 6’5. They have quite a few quick release players who can knock down open shots. They like to full court press most of the game but when up against a team with more athleticism, which is what they lack, the highlanders tend to struggle.
Let’s take a look at some of the fire power the highlanders will have coming back this season.
6’5 Senior forward Shawn Anderson is a very mobile player for the highlanders in the post. He has a good pull up jumper and can play with his back to the basket. He has some width to go along with his height. With an increasing skill-set, he could really help a good JUCO program. In the game against Fort Vancouver, he was one of the bright spots on the floor. Snatching rebounds, playing good post defense and limiting the Trappers to one shot per possession. They are going to need Nick to play big this year if they want to advance further in the playoffs.
5’11 Senior Guard Christian Huntington is a knock down shooter and one of the only guards they have who can create off the dribble. In the game against the Trappers, he showed no fear when facing their more athletic bigger guards. Getting into the paint, causing turnovers on the defensive end, knocking down tough shots and just being a pest on defense are his strongest traits. He play the 2 for the highlanders but if he plans on going to the next level he will need to work on his ball handling because he will most likely be a point guard.
6’1 Senior Forward Todd Johanson plays the post for the highlanders but he has the ability to step out and face up his defender. If he can develop, a 3 point shot who could really excel at the D3 level. With his size and speed, he gave the Trappers some problems. An already solid rebounder and finisher at the rim, there were a couple of times throughout the game where he would snatch the rebound and lead the break, which at his height was very impressive. With the highlanders having most of their roster full of players under six foot. John will get more touches this season and should demand more touches.