Waterville returns eight veterans to varsity lineup

WATERVILLE – The Shockers varsity basketball team has eight veterans returning from last season’s team including three – Johnny Mullen, Devyn Klinginsmith and Cole Koening - who were starters. Mullen was a Central Washington 2B All-League Third Team selection last year.
Six players from Mansfield will be part of the Shockers’ roster this season and all will play on the junior varsity team. They include senior Dallas Lowman, junior David MacDonald, sophomore Daniel Youngblood, and freshmen Kody Angus, Eddie Tapia, and Xavier Tedder.
Lowman, MacDonald, and Youngblood played JV ball for Waterville last year as well.
“We have a veteran varsity team this year with seven seniors, four juniors and one sophomore, said varsity coach Heath Jordan entering his seventh year as head coach. “I am looking forward to seeing the success this group can accomplish this season.”
The Shockers were 3-13 in CW2B league play last year and 5-14 overall, and while they missed out on post-season games, Jordan said his team “grew up a bunch” last year against the tough competition.
“This group of returners learned from our struggles that we had last season and worked really hard during the summer,” said Jordan. “Our height will hopefully be a major advantage making it difficult for teams to score easy baskets and to rebound against us.”
Led by 6’4” senior forward Klingensmith, the Shockers have seven players above six feet in height at both guard and forward positions.
Jordan said that will make it difficult for opponents to “match up defensively against us on the offensive end in the post.”
Waterville begins its first weekend of games against two worthy adversaries. On Friday, Dec. 1, the Shockers open on the road against last year’s 1B Regional qualifier, Entiat. Waterville will host last season’s CW2B League champion and State qualifier Brewster at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 2.
Assisting Jordan this season are coaches Derek Browning and Josh Barnes.