Heading into the Johnson County Tournament, the boys basketball team enters with a common goal: winning the county title. However, before this comes a smaller goal, revenge. In the opening game of the season, the team suffered a 22 point loss to Greenwood, their opponent in tonight’s opening round. This time, the team prepares for a different outcome, giving them a chance at their third-consecutive county championship.
“As a team we are excited to get a chance to play for a Championship.” senior power forward Braden Goodpaster said. “The win would feel a little sweeter. It feels good to get a team back after they have beaten you.”
In order to get this revenge, junior point guard Alec Heichelbech believes the defensive side of the ball will be important.
“Greenwood’s strength is their ability to score.” Heichelbech said. “Things we are going to do to stop them are learning player tendencies and what they like to do on the court.” Heichelbech said. “We are also really emphasizing getting stops, one by one, on the defensive side. This will ultimately help us win the game.
Goodpaster also highlights the importance of defense in this game.
“Greenwood has some size and athleticism that they use really well to get in and out of transition,” Goodpaster said. ““We are going to try to limit their transition opportunities.”
Greenwood’s transition game leads them to scoring success. Greenwood’s 6’6 senior forward Parker Doolin averages 17.2 points per game while 6’3 senior guard Acen Swain is another offensive weapon, dropping 23 points in the first matchup between the teams.
On the other side of the ball, Goodpaster explains the team is going to try to generate some offense.
“[We are going to try] switching some offensive sets, to throw them out of rhythm.” Goodpaster said. Heichelbech also added, “We are going to use different plays to hopefully get us a few extra buckets.”
If the Trojans can get past Greenwood, there is a potential semi-final matchup with Whiteland, a team CG beat 55-41 in mid-December. Franklin, who the Trojans wouldn’t see until the finals, is the only other county team the Trojans have faced already this season, winning 45-40 in early December. No game will be easy, but a win against Greenwood gives the Trojans a lot of energy and momentum.
“As a team I feel like we are feeling great and ready going into the county,” Heichelbech said. ”We will be very prepared mentally and physically for the outcome we want.”
