(Oakland) The 4-10 Riverside boys have won three of their last six games. Tuesday they meet Audubon, kicking off a stretch of five of their next seven games on the road. We’ll have the Bulldogs and Wheelers on the air on 96.5 FM KSOM.
Coach Nick Kroon believes two factors are playing into his team’s better showing after the holiday break. One is a familiarity with the new coaching staff and the other is experience. “They are getting older day by day which is good because I think against Missouri Valley we played three freshmen in the 2nd quarter.” Kroon says, “We put some young kids out there and so every game and every practice is huge for them in regards to getting used to varsity play in the Western Iowa Conference.”
Ayden Salais, Aiden Bell, and John Alff are among the freshmen that have seen meaningful varsity minutes and there are a handful of others with promise. “I’m excited to work with them another summer and get them as sophomores.”
With graduation and injuries, only a few players saw much of any playing time last season. Two of those guys have led the way, juniors Brogan Allensworth and Drake Woods. Allensworth averages 9 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 steals per game. Woods averages 9 points and over 2 assists per night. “Brogan brings an explosive basketball athleticism to him. He’s made some clutch free throws in a couple of our wins. He’s a guy that can get to the basket and compete with some high elevators. Drake Woods is a consistent really good ball handler. He wen’t 9/10 on free throws against Missouri Valley with I think he had 16 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assist, and 2 or 3 steals. He does a lot of floor general type stuff. He’s really dedicated to the game of basketball and has improved.”
Riverside lost to Audubon in the first meeting, 54-43. Coach Kroon says the Wheelers are athletic and have a championship type mindset. The girls game tips at six and the boys game will follow. We’ll have them both on the air on 96.5 FM KSOM. Pregame with coach Kroon is available below:
