Sims among new faces ready to step up for Edgewood boys basketball

Zach Sims introduced himself to varsity basketball near the end of last season, and now the sophomore finds himself a key piece in this one.

The Edgewood boys' basketball team took a hit through graduation and a couple of junior backups did not return. Senior guard Caden Huttenlocker is the only returning starter.

Sims became a go-to player for the junior varsity, then went through the growing pains as a freshman among older players. There will be more this year. But any experience will be valuable to the Mustangs as the season begins. His size (6-foot-3) certainly will be an asset, as will his versatility on defense.

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"He brings nice size," Edgewood coach Matt Wadsworth said. "He's a physical player and he also has the ability to be a good ballhandler and can create off the drive.

"And defensively, he can be a presence. We're counting on him to be one of our top rebounders. He has the ability to guard other teams' perimeter players and at time on the interior. So he gives us that flexibility."

Huttenlocker (14.4 ppg, 3.1 rpg) remains a known quantity after his breakout season in 2020-21. The ball will be in his hands, so the Mustangs expect his assist total to rise as will his scoring. He made 42% of his 3s last year (47-of-112).

"As we work our way through practice, we know what to expect out of Caden," Wadsworth said. "His shooting continues to be consistent and we plan to expand his role. He'll have to handle the basketball more."

Waiting to see who will step up

From there, Wadsworth has options and that should keep his varsity eight on their toes.

"It's important they show up to compete every day in practice," he said.

The group includes junior guard Xzander Hammonds, who has shown confidence on the offensive end and more aggressiveness on defense. Brayden Robinson steps up from the JV and can hit a 3, but Wadsworth needs him to get gritty on defense.

Look for senior Jalin White to pitch in when he returns from a COVID-19 break. Edgewood will also have to see what it has in 6-3 sophomore Jacob Boggs, who makes the jump up from the C Team.

Boggs was aggressive on the boards when Edgewood played this summer and that's a big deal for a team that may play more like a 5-guard lineup at times.

"One of the challenges to the team is to become better rebounders individually and as a group," Wadsworth said. "Some of the aspect is toughness but also the technique goes with it that we've been working on.

"We're talking about battling our instincts for players to see a shot and then turn to the basket. We have to fight that instinct and box out."

That goes for the guards as well because it means that can grab a board and go especially in an age where the 3 is a frequent shot. Long shots equal long rebounds and pushing the ball is an emphasis.

Keeping the ball moving

So is sharing the ball. Edgewood can spread the floor.

"We've worked hard on ball movement," Wadsworth said. "Any team can guard someone who is quick to shoot and not pass. We've got to get our better players in position to score. If not, we hope that sets their teammates up with an open shot."

Patience will also be a virtue for the Mustangs.

"We have to allow them to make mistakes in practice," Wadsworth said. "But over the last week, we've improved a little bit each day as we go along."

EDGEWOOD MUSTANGS

Coach: Matt Wadsworth, 29-23 in 3rd year at school, 170-151 in 15th year overall. Class: 3A, Sectional 26. Conference: Western Indiana. Last year: 14-12.

Key losses: F Coleman Sater (16.4 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 4 apg); G Zeke Powell (9.5 ppg, 3.2 rpg); F Landon Ringler (5 ppg, 4 rpg); G Sean Sims (4 ppg).

Three big games

Jan. 14-15 at Owen Valley and at Greencastle: Big rivalry game every year at OV followed by the third of four straight WIC road games and part of a 42-day stretch between home games. 

Feb. 15 Northview: Rematch of last year's sectional final could be a huge game if Mustangs are fighting for a WIC title.

Roster

No. Player, Pos, Ht., Yr.

2 Xzander Hammonds G 5-9 Jr.

4 Joe West G 5-9 Jr.

10 Caden Huttenlocker G 6-2 Sr.

11 Jacob Boggs F 6-3 So.

14 Brayden Robinson G 5-10 Sr.

23 Zach Sims G 6-3 So.

34 Nick McCullough F 6-1 Jr.

40 Jalin White F 6-0 Sr.

Contact Jim Gordillo at jgordillo@heraldt.com and follow on Twitter @JimGordillo.