Speedy Bulldog team ready for season

Athleticism, veteran leadership and a solid understanding of the game could make this year’s boys basketball team one of the most exciting in many seasons.

“These guys are going to be a lot of fun to watch,” Whitefish head coach Mark Casazza said.

Seniors Cooper Olson, Logan Harwood, Jace Kalbfleisch and Jake May lead a roster that is packed with players who just might run other teams straight out of the gym.

“Our speed this year is the best I’ve ever coached,” Casazza said. “We have to set the tempo and we’re going to push the ball.”

Scoring shouldn’t be a problem. Five or six guys can legitimately put up double-digit scoring totals on any given night, Casazza says.

He also likes the leadership from this group of seniors.

“These guys have been playing for a long time,” Casazza said. “They have a high basketball IQ.”

There should be some depth on the bench as well with six juniors chomping at the bit to get on the hardwood.

“There is a talented group of juniors who are just waiting to show they can play at the varsity level,” Casazza said.

Last season the Dogs finished 12-8 overall and out of the state tournament after falling to Polson in a challenge game in the divisional tourney.

The conference this season is shaping up to be competitive as usual, with Columbia Falls as the front-runner.

“Columbia Falls is always tough,” Casazza said. “We need to work as hard as they do.”

While the conference has been defined by star power recently — Austin Barth at Columbia Falls, Gage Vasquez at Whitefish — this season should feature more well-rounded teams, Casazza said.

Whitefish will find out where they stand in the mix during this weekend’s Northwest / Southwest Tip-Off tournament in Corvallis.

No starting lineup has been named as Casazza wants the team to push each other throughout the week.

The Dogs play Ronan on Friday at noon, then face Hamilton on Saturday at 7 p.m.