PORT TOWNSEND — Port Townsend boys basketball head coach Tom Webster believes his team has the potential to return to the top spot in the Olympic League 1A Division this season.
And the Redhawks will try and use their depth to do so.
“We have four seniors, four juniors and three sophomores and they can all play,” Webster said.
“We are pretty athletic and it looks like we can shoot it from the perimeter. All of them. We make shots against us and air. I’m not sure if ‘it ain’t 19-9 [the depth of the 3-point line], it ain’t worth my time,’ but we can shoot. We will try and run and gun, press and be fundamentally sound.”
Port Townsend does have one returning building block in senior guard/forward Noa Montoya, an All-Olympic League pick who put up 16.2 points and 6.2 rebounds last season.
“Noa is probably the best player in the league, but he’s never had to carry a team,” Webster said. “He’s going to have to carry some water.”
Webster said it will be important for Montoya to avoid foul trouble and remain on the floor for the Redhawks.
“Noa is going to have to stay out there and pace himself because we need his scoring,” Webster said. “We don’t have a proven second or third scorer at this point.”
Webster said scoring could come from senior guard Aidan Petta or sophomore guard Lonnie Kenney.
“Aiden could be that guy, he’s shooting it better,” Webster said. “Lonnie can shoot it. He might be one of the better players coming through PT in the past few seasons and he might be our best point guard.”
Guard Kesem Coggins and forward Devin Harris return from last year’s squad.
Junior guard Skyler Zabransky and sophomores Mason Rodeghier and Murphy Klemann are varsity newcomers along with junior post Evan Turner.
“Skyler can really fly and has a good jump shot,” Webster said. “I’m looking forward to him helping us out. Mason and Murphy are athletic guys and Evan rebounds well and wants to rebound well. He’s a hard worker and is good-sized. He takes up some space down low.”
Webster said playing with pace will be important for his squad.
“To get all these guys in the game we need to be hauling,” Webster said.
“I think this team can be pretty fun to coach. They are athletic and can shoot it, we just have to teach them how to play the game.”
And the team’s goal — take back the 1A Division crown from Klahowya and reach the postseason.
“The goal is to bring back the title to Bruce Blevins Gym,” Webster said. “Klahowya got us last year and Chimacum is better. It won’t be easy.
“I think we have made the postseason seven out of the last nine years,” Webster said. “We want to win a district playoff game and we get to play bigger schools in our league on the way and that’s OK.
“I like our squad and they are learning about the tradition of playing Port Townsend basketball.”
Port Townsend Redhawks
Head coach: Tom Webster, 8th season (63-79)
Last season: 3-3, 9-9. Finished second in Olympic League 1A, lost in district playoffs.
Returners: Noa Montoya (sr., G, 6-3); Kesem Coggins (sr., G, 6-0); Aiden Petta (sr., G, 6-1); Devin Harris (jr., F, 6-3).
Newcomers: Evan Toner (jr., P, 6-4); Skyler Zabransky (jr., G, 5-10); Cameron Rowland (so., G, 5-10); Mason Rodeghier (so., F, 6-0); Lonnie Kenney (so., G, 5-7); Murphy Klemann (so., F, 6-2); Riley Yackulic (sr., G, 5-9).
Outlook: Redhawks can shoot from outside, but is it enough to reclaim the top spot in the Olympic 1A Division?
