The 2018-2019 Hilander basketball team is looking forward to the trials and tribulations that the 2018-2019 will bring. Building off of a banner season, the 2018-2019 team is looking forward to continuing the success we have enjoyed. There is no question the class of 2018 raised the bar in our program. This class enjoyed a league championship, a District 3-4 championship, (the only GSHL team in history to win this District Championship) a second place finish in the prestigious Surf-n-Slam Holiday tournament, and a 6th place finish at the 2018-19 3A State Tournament. Couple all these fine team accomplishments with a 3.63 team GPA (Second highest at the 3A level) and it is easy to see why the graduating class of 2018-19 is considered the most successful class in Kelso basketball history. Fortunately the underclassmen have worked hard in the off season and are eager to make their mark in our program’s history. Our 2018-19 team spent the off season playing in very competitive summer tournaments and participating in the always tough Gonzaga Team camp. Over the course of playing thirty eight games this summer we learned quite a bit about ourselves and what we need to do as a team to improve and give ourselves the best chance at finding success this season.
Fortunate for our program we have two of the most experienced and accomplished players in program history to lead our team this season; Shaw Anderson and Riley Noah. These two players’ contributions not only on the floor, but off the floor will forever be appreciated. Shaw, already the all-time leading scorer in Kelso basketball history has developed into one of the premier players in the state of Washington. Coming off a season where he averaged 22.7 points, 7.9 rebounds while earning the Co-Player of the Year in the GSHL, first team Surf-n-Slam All-Tournament team and capped off his junior campaign being named to the State Tournament second team. We are obviously proud of all of Shaw’s accomplishments and excited to see how far he raises the bar four himself and our team during his senior season. Riley has been an outstanding four-year starter. He has been a three time first team All- League selection and a tireless worker. Riley has shown steady improvement during his time and remains as coachable as he was when he enter our program. We are very excited to see Riley compete and lead our team this season. Along with being great players Shaw and Riley and even better students and teammates. Both carry strong academic resumes boasting GPA’s higher than 3.5. with their transcripts filled with AP/Honor classes. It was clear early in our summer schedule that Riley and Shaw would be great on floor leaders; they are positive with their teammates and never asked teammates to do more than what each of them were willing to do.
Rounding out the senior class are some very eager players. Saxon Hickey has had a strong off-season and will provide depth and toughness at the post position. Saxon is a four-year member of our program and will be counted on to rebound and defender on a nightly basis. Jayden Hardeman split time between the varsity and JV team last season. Jayden is a solid shooter and has worked to improve on the defensive end. Jayden is a competitor who loves to win. Jayden is a four-year member of our program who is looking forward to helping our team win games this season.
Trey Harltey is another four-year member of our program. Trey is a combo guard who can play both the PG and Wing position. Trey has a great feel for the game and has developed consistency from three point range. Another great kid, Trey will be a great addition to this year’s varsity team. Graham Karavolos will be a fan favorite this season. Graham plays with high energy and is a relentless rebounder. Graham is a great competitor who loves to play. His energy and skill set will undoubtedly make our team better.
Our junior class is strong in numbers and skill. Josh Webb is as tenacious of a defender as we have had in our program. Josh is competitive and has spent many hours working to improve all areas of his game. No doubt Josh will play a big role in making our team better. Josh’s ability to guard our opponents’ best offensive player is invaluable. Dillon Davis continues to improve through his hard work in the gym. Dillon has a great feel for the point guard position. He is smart and competitive; two huge assets when playing the point guard position. Drew Tack will compete and add quality depth to our post position. Drew is a skilled player who is comfortable playing the perimeter. With his length we will be counted on to defend and alter our opponents ‘shot attempts.
Coming off two ACL injuries Braden Smith is healthy and improving on a daily basis. Braden has good length and skill. Braden is a good perimeter shooter and ball handler. It will be an exciting year to have Braden healthy and competing. No question the addition of Braden makes our program better! Gage Tippery is the epitome of a gym rat. Gage spends countless hours improving and will be counted on this season to knock down perimeter jumpers. Gage has improved defensively and takes great pride in being a great teammate. Tanner Davis is a strong, physical athlete who has shown great improvement since recovering from shoulder surgery his 9th grade season. Tanner will be counted on to provide a strong physical presence in the post and will make our team better offensively with his ability to run the floor and finish in transition.
The philosophy of our program continues to be based upon a team-first approach on the offensive and defensive ends of the floor. We expect our players to make the extra pass, set the great screen, and play smart aggressive basketball on the offense. Defensively we will continue to work hard and compete every possession; Making offense as difficult as possible for our opponent. We pride ourselves in being unselfish, encouraging teammates who care more about our team than we do about individual statistics.
It has been my pleasure serving as the head boys’ basketball coach over the last twenty seasons. I have had the opportunity to work with countless athletes who maximize their time in the blue and gold. These athletes, most of them multi-sport, work hard and embrace the spirit and expectations here at Kelso High School. Our staff works to educate our basketball players on the importance of understanding the true meaning of the term “We Are Kelso” We hope that you as fans recognize these efforts and take pride in the product we put out on the court.
The success on the court and in the classroom is certainly a byproduct of the time commitment and many hours of work by everybody associated with our program.
On behalf of our entire coaching staff, I would like to thank the players, parents, administration, booster and alumni clubs and the many fans for their continued support of Kelso Basketball.
Sincerely,
Coach Kinch