Shoes are squeaking and the nets are swishing as the Rangers return to the court for basketball season. Both programs have new head coaches and look to improve on last year’s records.
Webster Rhodes replaced Scott Rosberg as head coach for boys varsity and Matt Schad took over as head coach for girls varsity. Rosberg stepped down as coach when he took the Park High activities director position and the school board did not want him serving in both positions, he explained.
Rhodes brings 20 years’ coaching experience to the job, he said, including last year coaching the Park JV team. Schad also moved up from coaching the girls JV team after head coach Megan Burns resigned last year.
“I took the head coaching job because this group of guys gave me the push I needed to continue to coach,” Rhodes said. “I love being around them and learning from them.”
Rosberg, who observed the first week of practice, said “I’m liking what I’m seeing in terms of development from last year.” Last year’s record left the boys team frustrated, he said. “No one likes to lose all their games except one,” he explained, but said success can be measured in ways other than the scoreboard.
He mentioned work done in the offseason by seniors Tristan Watts and Jon Durgan, and predicted that senior Jaxson White’s athleticism as a football player will allow him to “throw up a dunk” this season. Juniors Isaac Ramirez and Coen Braham are also players to watch, Rosberg said.
Well over 30 boys tried out for the team, which shooting guard Durgan said was “way more” than in past years. Seeing who was in for good, Rhodes ran the boys to the ground the first week of practice. “I push them hard because I believe in their potential and want to see them succeed, both on the court and in life. While I demand a lot, I care deeply about each of them,” said Rhodes.
The Lady Rangers have lower numbers playing than in past years, but A.D. Rosberg said he’s excited for the girls this year. “Anytime you’re starting to build something and you lose somebody, that’s kind of a gut punch,” he said, but he mentioned the strength of returning juniors Chase Vermillion, Olivia Behm and Annie Keyes. Sophomore Maria Turck “can do some things with the ball that other kids can’t,” Rosberg said.
After season opening games against Big Timber and an overnight trip to Glendive and Miles City, the Rangers will face Polson and Corvallis at home this weekend.
There are upcoming games this Friday, December 20 and Saturday, December 21 both here at Park High.
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Basketball season underway with new coaches at the helm
December 18, 2024
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