By Ken Graham
The Times
Cardinals Hope to Put Height Advantage to Good Use
Dunn, 6-5, Gradwohl, 6-3 and Montgomery, 6-6, will anchor Waitsburg front line
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Waitsburg coach Tavis Crittenden gives pointers to his players during a game last year.
WAITSBURG – Waitsburg boys' basketball head coach Tavis Crittenden says his team's biggest challenge this season will be keeping up with shorter, quicker teams. But he hopes the Cardinals' height advantage will make them a force in the SE 2B District 9 league this year.
"We'll be an experienced team," Crittenden said of his varsity squad, which features 10 juniors and seniors. "And we're in a league that's going to be very even."
Crittenden says that four of the five starting positions to begin the season are set for the Cardinals. They include a front line of six-foot-five Jacob Dunn and six-foot-three Kyle Gradwohl, both juniors, as well as six-foot-six senior Mark Montgomery. Six foot senior Jason Carter will start at point guard.
Four other players will compete for the fifth spot, Crittenden said: Six-three senior Trey Potts, six-foot senior Brandon Penner, Six-foot junior Landon Callas and six-foot junior Jordan French. The varsity team will also include seniors Levi Hatfield and Zion Branson.
Times File Photo
Cardinal post Jacob Dunn pulls down a rebound. Dunn is one of three starters for the Cardinals this year who are over six foot three.
Former Dayton head coach Roy Ramirez has signed on as Crittenden's lead assistant this year, as well JV coach. Also joining Crittenden are volunteer assistants John Mason and Troy Larsen.
"I see Asotin as probably our top competition this year," Crittenden said. "WWVA will also have a strong team," he added, "but every team in the league this year should be competitive."
Crittenden is beginning his fourth year as head coach in Waitsburg. He's a Milton-Freewater native who played high school ball, and then left after an injury during his first year in college.
Waitsburg is Crittenden's first high school coaching job, but he spent several years coaching AAU summer basketball.
The Cardinals begin their season with a trip to Pomeroy on Saturday. Their first four games are on the road, before their home opener Dec. 15 against Mac-Hi.
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