Central McLean Cougars

The Cougars are the real deal and we expect them to make some noise this season!   Central McLean has the talent to make a trip to the State Tournament. The Cougars are a team to watch!   Head Coach: Joi Anderson   Class: A   Region: 4   District: 8   First Game: 12/13/24 @ Flasher   See below, we have in-depth and excellent info on the Cougars. Coach Anderson opened up a vein for us.   Player Info   Comments from Coach Anderson   [player_tooltip player_id='1746021' first='Aiden' last='Hanson']: The Heartbeat of Our Team Junior Forward 6'4   "As a coach, I've had the privilege of working with many talented athletes over the years, but few players possess the combination of leadership, skill, and work ethic that [player_tooltip player_id='1746021' first='Aiden' last='Hanson'] brings to the table. Aiden is the embodiment of what a team player should be. Not only does he excel on the court, but he also sets the tone for the entire team, both in practice and during games. His contributions go far beyond the stat sheet, though the numbers alone are impressive enough. Aiden averaged 17 points and 10 rebounds per game last season, alongside 48 steals, 110 assists, 9 blocks, and 12 three-pointers. But those figures only scratch the surface of what he truly brings to the game. When you look at [player_tooltip player_id='1746021' first='Aiden' last='Hanson'], you're not just seeing a gifted athlete. You're seeing a player who leads by example, who elevates his teammates, and who is committed to doing whatever it takes to win. Whether it's his work ethic, his leadership, his ability to score and rebound, or his unselfishness in setting up plays, Aiden is the complete package. He is everything you want in a player, and I am proud to have him on my team. In the years I've spent coaching, I've come across players who excel in one or two areas, but Aiden's ability to impact the game in nearly every facet is something truly special. He's more than just a star player—he's the heartbeat of our team, and I can't wait to see how he continues to grow and lead us in the seasons to come."   [player_tooltip player_id='2338864' first='Bridger' last='Rittenbach']: A Sharpshooter with Unmatched Ball Handling Junior Guard 5'11”   "One of Bridger's standout strengths is his ability to handle the ball under pressure. In a fast-paced game where turnovers can make or break a team, having a player who can consistently control the basketball and make smart decisions is crucial. Bridger possesses excellent ball control, allowing him to navigate through tight defenses with ease. While his ball-handling ability is vital, Bridger's true weapon is his 3-point shooting. He's our go-to sharpshooter, and defenders know that they can't afford to leave him open from beyond the arc. Last season, Bridger knocked down 43 three-pointers, consistently stretching the defense and creating more space for his teammates. Although Bridger is known for his scoring (8 points per game, and 43 three-pointers), his impact goes beyond just putting points on the board. Rittenbach has the ability to create for others. What stands out most about Bridger is his team-first mentality. He understands his role on the team and plays it to perfection. His unselfishness is infectious and contributes greatly to our overall team chemistry. It's hard to put into words how much I value a player like Bridger. He's a team player who always puts the success of the group above his own. I look forward to seeing how his game continues to evolve, and I'm excited to watch him play a crucial role in our future successes.   Jacob Wolf: The Unsung Hero of Our Defense Junior Forward 5'11”   "Jacob's work ethic is second to none. He approaches every practice and every game with the same mindset: to give it everything he's got. His relentless pursuit of the ball and the effort he puts into every possession is what makes him such a valuable asset to our team. While Jacob may not be the flashiest player on the court, he has an innate ability to read the game, anticipate plays, and disrupt the opposing offense. Last season, he recorded 31 steals, showcasing his quick hands and sharp instincts. His defensive tenacity has helped us get stops when we need them most. Jacob's ability to contribute in the rebounding game is another crucial element of his impact. Despite not being one of the tallest players on the floor, he plays with such determination that he consistently finds himself in the right position to grab boards. Averaging 7 rebounds per game last season, Jacob is a tenacious rebounder who doesn't back down from anyone. In addition to his defense and rebounding, Jacob also brings value on the offensive end. Though he may not be a high-volume scorer, he understands how to make plays for others. Jacob averaged 52 assists last season, showing his ability to move the ball and keep the offense flowing. In addition to his defense and rebounding, Jacob also brings value on the offensive end. Though he may not be a high-volume scorer, he understands how to make plays for others. Jacob recorded 52 assists last season, showing his ability to move the ball and keep the offense flowing."   [player_tooltip player_id='2638409' first='Sam' last='Benson']: A New Force for Central McLean's Defense and Rebounding Senior Center (newcomer) 6'5”   "As a coach, there's always excitement around the arrival of a new player, but when that player is as impactful as [player_tooltip player_id='2638409' first='Sam' last='Benson'], it's a game-changer. While he may be new to Central McLean, his influence on both ends of the floor has been immediate, and I'm excited to see what more he can contribute as the season progresses. One of Sam's standout strengths is his size. At 6'5”, Sam is a physical presence in the paint, both on offense and defense. His size alone forces opponents to account for him every time the ball is in the air. On the defensive end, he has the ability to contest shots, block attempts, and disrupt the flow of opposing offenses in the paint. His length and strength make him a formidable rim protector, but it's his attention to detail and positioning that truly set him apart. Sam understands how to use his body to establish position in both the low post and on the boards, making him a key asset in defending the basket. What has impressed me most about Sam, however, is his unselfishness and team-first mentality. Even as a newcomer, Sam has quickly earned the respect of his teammates with his work ethic and willingness to do whatever it takes to help the team win. He doesn't seek individual glory but focuses on the success of the team, whether that's grabbing rebounds, setting screens, or playing tough defense. His selflessness and commitment to the group are what make him such an easy player to coach."   The Battle for the 5th Spot: Central McLean Cougars Boys' Basketball Team   "Each of the six contenders brings something valuable to the court. Some players may have the ability to stretch the floor with their shooting, while others may excel as defensive stoppers or rebounders. What makes this competition unique is the versatility of the players involved—there's no clear-cut choice, and that's a good thing. It forces everyone to work harder, refine their skills, and prove that they're the right fit for the team's needs. One of the most exciting aspects of having this competitive battle for the starting spot is the potential for building a deep and talented bench. No matter who ends up earning the 5th starting spot, this competition ensures that we'll have a well-rounded group of players ready to step up when needed. Having players who are constantly pushing each other to improve means that we won't be relying on just the starting five to win games. The battle for the 5th starting spot on the Central McLean Cougars Boys' Basketball team is shaping up to be one of the most compelling storylines of the season. With six players all competing for a position, each bringing unique strengths to the court, the team is poised to benefit from the competition. Regardless of who earns the spot, this healthy competition guarantees that we'll have a deep, talented bench ready to make an impact. Most importantly, it highlights the strength of our team as a whole—a group of players committed to working together to achieve success. With this depth, dedication, and determination, the Central McLean Cougars are ready to make a statement this season."   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/QA.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/QA.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-2511663" style="width:234px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   With Joi Anderson   PHD: Could you write a couple of sentences summing up last season?   "We continued to improve as our season progressed last year ending up with a winning record of 12-10. We ended up 4th in the District and made our first trip back to Regionals in 3 years."   PHD: Does your program/team have any non-negotiables?   "Practice is where you earn your spot."   PHD: What will your defense "hang its hat on"?   "We will play man, 1-3-1, and a 1-2-2 zone defense."   PHD: Who will be your primary ballhandler this year?   "[player_tooltip player_id='1746021' first='Aiden' last='Hanson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2338864' first='Bridger' last='Rittenbach']."   PHD: How did the off-season go for your team/program?   "The off-season play was very productive and went well. We played 6 games and went 5-1 over the summer. Additionally, we played weekly open gyms."   PHD: : Who are a couple of up-and-comers to look out for?   "Jonas Christensen (sophomore) and Ehan Hanson (freshman)."   PHD: Who do you think will be your best rebounders?   "[player_tooltip player_id='1746021' first='Aiden' last='Hanson']; his work ethic. Jacob Wolf; his physicality and work ethic. [player_tooltip player_id='2638409' first='Sam' last='Benson']; his size and physicality."   PHD: What are your team goals this year?   "To make it to the state tournament by developing incredible team chemistry that showcases our talent as well as our ability to play an unselfish, team-centered game."   PHD: Who will be your hardest worker?   "Jacob Wolf and [player_tooltip player_id='1746021' first='Aiden' last='Hanson'] are my hardest workers."   PHD: Who are some of the top teams & players in your Region?   "Wilton and Flasher will be tough. We play Flasher our first game on 12/13."   PHD: Any last comments about the upcoming season?   "We still have a young group but most have good, solid, varsity experience. I'm excited to witness this group's chemistry. They are all very coachable yet their BB IQ is impressive and will instill confidence despite the fact they are a young team."   BEST OF LUCK TO THE COUGARS!!   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/TeamIntroduction.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/TeamIntroduction.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-2693098" /></a></figure>

The Cougars are the real deal and we expect them to make some noise this season!