Young Libby squad works for growth

With bent knees and wide, intense eyes, Libby Loggers Head Coach Wally Winslow bounced left and right as his young team competed to earn their coach’s attention. Practicing their first-step defensive reactions, the Loggers listened as their coach repeated his directions over and over again, “Everytime. Everytime.”

Fundamentals, never an aspect to overlook in high school sports, will be emphasized during Winslow’s 16th season at the helm. After graduating five seniors last year, the Loggers count only two seniors this time around.

Luckily, one of those players is All-State guard Jared Winslow, the coach’s son. Jared is the only returning player with significant experience from last year’s 7-13 team. While Head Coach Winslow says he may have an idea who he expects to fill his starting lineup, the positions are not set in stone.

“I need players willing to put in hard work,” Head Coach Winslow said. “We are going to have to work our fannies off to be ready to play.”

Team tryouts attracted 25 boys and few, if any, cuts are expected. Turnout is usually higher, somewhere between the 35 and 40 range, but participation numbers have been down in many school sports in recent years.  

Senior forward Quinn Sullivan is the other elderstatesman on the team. Head Coach Winslow named him and shifty junior guard Collin Johnson as players expected to shoulder greater roles this season.

“In the past couple years everyone has kind of led on their own,” Jared Winslow said. “We had so many seniors. This year I plan to lead by example and give the younger guys a lot of positive reinforcement.”

Also the quarterback on the football team, Winslow said he looks forward to upsetting teams this year. He deflected any pressure he may feel as a returning All-State player.

“I just hope we win more than we lose,” Winslow said. “The goal would be to get to the state tournament. I’d also really like to get my dad a division title.”

Head Coach Winslow was more coy about team goals, saying he was certain his team would face adversity this year.

As usual, the Loggers will run a Princeton offense, a whirling attack predicated on perpetual motion, punctual passing and constant pursuit of the back-door bounce pass.

Libby will rely on man-to-man defense as much as depth allows. When things get thin, Head Coach Winslow plans to employ zone, mostly a 2-3.

Sullivan, also a member of the golf team, says he experiences greater excitment on the hardwood than out on the links. Along with Winslow, he plans to help guide his younger teammates.

“Just tell them to listen to coach and stay in shape and stay in line,” Sullivan said.

Head Coach Winslow highlighted his team’s Dec. 21 home matchup with Whitefish as a early-season measuring stick.

“They are a good, solid club every year,” Head Coach Winslow said. “The outcome of that game will give us a good idea of where we are at.”

While his team may not look like a powerhouse, Head Coach Winslow said he enjoys watching his players improve every year. More than wins and losses, those incremental improvements will be a better indication of the quality of the Loggers’ hoops season.