The Southwest boys basketball team has started the season at 4-3, with three seniors and three juniors leading this year’s squad.
Rusty Roe, Southwest boys basketball coach, said the Trojans lost two starters from last season in Cruz Marquez and Caden Uthe, but they return plenty of firepower.
Seniors leading the squad include Brandon Brooks, Lucas Paulsen and Coy Shrum.
“Brandon does whatever is needed and is capable of playing multiple positions on offense and defense,” Roe said. “He has improved greatly in his ability to score and has gotten much stronger in the offseason. Lucas is a strong athlete and probably the hardest worker we have. There is no quit in him; his motor never stops. With a great improved 3-point shot Lucas ‘Bubba,’ will be a much-needed and great threat for Southwest this year.
“Coy has been a back up the past couple of years at point guard. With our point guard graduating however, Coy has some big shoes to fill. He did an outstanding job this summer and ultimately won the starting point guard spot. He does what is needed and doesn’t try to do selfish things; any kid with that mindset will play.”
Coming up in the program are another trio of juniors expected to contribute in Brendyn Paulsen, Zak Cowin and Charlie Pippin.
“Brendyn ended the season as Southwest’s second leading scorer,” Roe said. “He led the Trojans in rebounding and had the best 3-point percentage on the team. He has continued to expand his game inside and outside in the offseason. We will look to him for a great amount of leadership this season. Zak is perhaps the best all-around athlete on the floor at many times. He has a great jump shot and has good range. Zak is a very gritty player on the defensive end and ends up with more rebounds than many post players.
“After seeing increased varsity time last season, Charlie really came into his own this summer. He is a big man who enjoys playing under the basket and being a big man. That’s a great thing to have in a basketball world where it seems every big man wants to be a guard and play without contact and only on the perimeter. Charlie enjoys doing work in the ‘trenches’ and the contact that comes with it.”
A couple newcomers may also make a splash for Southwest.
“After playing only JV during his sophomore season, Caleb Ayer has earned a full time spot on the Trojans varsity team after his summer performances,” Roe said. “He has really stepped up big for us to fill in some gaps we were going to have after losing two great guards to graduation. Not only is Caleb capable of stepping into a varsity role, but he will be productive and an asset for us when he is on the floor. He is a tough-nosed kid who gets the most out of his minutes.
“Kasen Holder played limited minutes last year as a freshman. He has a great skill set and a very high ceiling for basketball. If he continues to improve as expected then he will be known on every scouting report by the end of this year.”
Roe said prior to the season’s start that he was looking forward to coaching this year, especially with this team.
“They enjoy each other and they enjoy basketball,” he said. “As a coach, it is always rewarding when you can push your athletes in practice and they respond. That’s this group we have at Southwest this year. From top to bottom, that is our mentality. We have big goals for ourselves and it should be a fun process trying to achieve those goals.”
Brendyn Paulsen said this year’s group is full of chemistry, which bodes well for success.
“We are hoping that we can use that to our advantage,” he said. “We are always hoping for a healthy season, seeming to always have an issue with that. Everyone is excited, including the fans for the season to begin.”
Brooks said another factor helping Southwest is the level of competition at practice.
“We have a great group of talented kids that have a passion for basketball and love to play together,” he said. “Practice is going to be competitive as it always is, as there is going to be spots that need to be filled. I love this team, and the fans and I are ready for this seasons to come.”
Southwest is 4-3 on the season so far. The Trojans played Diamond on Tuesday, with results not available at presstime. Their next action will be Dec. 26-30 at the Southwest Holiday Tournament.
