HERMISTON, Ore.-Hermiston boys basketball is 2-2 on the young season after an opening night loss to Sunnyside, followed by wins over Eisenhower and Pasco, and a loss to Chiawana on December 13.
Lane Simmons led the Bulldogs with 21 points, while Ru Olsen chipped in 16, as a balanced Hermiston attack brought down the Cadets 64-49 on December 9.
Simmons, the second leading scorer and rebounder for the Bulldogs last season, is one of the impact players who will pace Hermiston this season as a Junior, alongside Ru Olsen and Carter Swanson, two valuable players off the bench last year, that are starters this season.
“We graduated four seniors, but we’re bringing lots of guys back,” said third-year Head Coach Bryan Edwards.
For Coach Edwards, the keys to success this season will be the Bulldogs’ ability to play multiple styles offensively and their defensive intensity.
“Offensively we’re very versatile, with multiple guys who can push the ball upcourt,” said Coach Edwards. “We’re able to rebound and go fast, but we’re also able to slow it down and take our time, executing the offense in the middle and at the end of games.”
Quinn Warner hit a game-winning three at the buzzer as Hermiston topped Pasco in a back-and-forth battle on December 12 for the Bulldog’s second straight win.
Lane Simmons and James Young each scored 17, while Carter Swanson chipped in 10 and Ru Olsen scored 9 points for Hermiston in the hardcourt Battle of the Bulldogs.
Coach Edwards knows this Hermiston team might not be the tallest or bulkiest, but he believes their strengths of speed and anticipation are defensive assets.
Hermiston held a high-scoring Eisenhower offense to under 50 points in their second game, limiting the Cadets’ leading scorer, who had 17 points in the first half, to just two points in the second half.
“We’ve got great athletes that can fly around defensively and contest shots, especially when we switch to zone” said Coach Edwards.
Team chemistry and camaraderie is also important, and the Bulldogs have developed quite a bond, according to their coach, one formed by growing up together and strengthened by basketball.
“My goal is to get these athletes to play to their potential, make some noise during league play and make the playoffs,” said Coach Edwards. “We’re focused on winning the day, win practice, then go 1-0 each game.”
While the Bulldogs fell to Chiawana, a 4A school, 86-56 on December 13, the season is young, full of hope and promise, and Edwards believes the foundation for success on the hardwood has been laid at Hermiston, and that his Bulldog team is ready to build on it toward the playoffs.
“These kids work hard, play the game the right way and compete,” said Coach Edwards. “The Hermiston community can take pride in that and should come out to enjoy these games and celebrate these kids.”
Hermiston’s next home game is Saturday, December 20 at 5 p.m. against Walla Walla.
