By Nikki Thomas, staff writer
The V arsity Boys Basketball team started their season off with a new head coach. Al Anderson previously coached travel ball for 14 years, and also alumni players Tony Thomas, Mi- chael Roach, and Kyle Washburn.
Anderson’s favorite team is the Wisconsin Badgers because he believes they play the game the right way with fundamentals, defense, and teamwork.
“A coach I really admire is Bo Ryan from the Badgers. He is a guy who stresses fundamentals of the game, has his team playing great man-to-man defense and wins no matter where he coaches,” he said.
Anderson has been known to be a players coach.
“I believe players play their best when they have a great relationship and trust in their coach,” he said.
His passion for coaching started when his own children were young.
“Teaching kids about the game I love and watching them progress as players is very rewarding as a coach. Then I was able to watch a lot of them play high school basketball in the last three years. I felt like a proud parent in the stands,” said Anderson.
After finishing the 2013-2014 season with a 10-13 record, Anderson is now hoping to have an above .500 season. Anderson said he would like to be in the top third in the conference, and to have the Indian Trail Boys basketball first ever playoff game win.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the improvement from start to finish,” he said.
Guard Josh Washburn also seems very optimistic about the season.
“I’ve watched Coach Anderson coach my brother for a few years and I’m really excited to have him work with us. I’m looking forward to having a successful season,” he said.