Over the winter season, while many were skiing, the CHS Boys Basketball team was working hard in the auxiliary gym. Every day after school, the players walked to the athletic wing in the CHS building to get ready for two hours of practice. Head coach Dane Lewman and assistant coach Tito Nunez worked with the varsity and junior varsity to improve skills and get ready for basketball games. Practices consisted of conditioning, learning plays, and reenforcing basketball skills. The varsity and JV would often scrimmage against each other to help simulate game situations. Varsity players would start warm ups to get ready for practice so nobody pulls any muscles.
The varsity team consisted of seven members and three swingers. Five of the members on varsity were seniors: Kai Lewman, Kaston Dillon, Hunter Stutzman, Fernando Tovar, Aiden Tuttle. Two varsity players were sophomores: Jonas Johnson and Ethan Davis. The varsity team worked with great chemistry on and off the court. They were able to get along even in the hardest games. Everybody on the varsity team scored at least a couple of points each game but senior Kaston Dillon put up the most points with his post moves, lay ups, mid-range shots, and being an offensive and defensive rebound machine. Senior Kai Lewman also put-up significant points in every game. Senior Hunter Stutzman was a key factor in putting up points in the paint. He used a variety of crossovers, the euro step being his favorite. Senior Fernando Tovar was smart in his playmaking. Fernando had some good passes and assists as well as some critical three pointers. Senior Aiden Tuttle was fast and explosive. His lock-down defense was aggressive, and it really got into opposing players' heads. Aiden could steal the ball and hustle to the hoop. Jonas Johnson had some clutch three pointers, helping the team when they needed it the most. Ethan Davis was explosive in his offense. He was able to cross over the defender and finish his layups. These players performed with dedication and purpose.
The Kodiaks compete in the Caribou Trail League consisting of the Omak Pioneers, Quincy Jackrabbits, Cashmere Bulldogs, and the Chelan Mountain Goats. The season may not have turned out the best for the Kodiaks, but they were able to raise some eyebrows with their playmaking and teamwork. Coach Tito Nunez, who coached the junior varsity as well as the varsity, put together a JV team of seven. Players like Jaxon Groby (10), Julian Valdez (11), and Ivan Alejandre (10) helped put points on the board. Jaxon Groby was a swinger, switching between JV games and varsity games, he had a good crossover to a mid-range shot from the top of the free throw line. Julian Valdez had great playmaking skills on the court, whether it be a good pass or a good screen on an opposing player. The JV center Ivan Alejandre was the team's main point scorer every game, with Ivan putting up 10 to 15 points per game using his post moves to finish strong.
The Cascade Kodiaks Basketball team felt like a family this year. Everyone on the team lifted each other up. Although the Kodiaks did not win very many games, they still had a wonderful year playing and traveling with each other.
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