GROVE RIDGERUNNERS
Coach: ZACH TRIMBLE
2024-25 Record: 17-8
OUTLOOK
After a 17-win season and with several key players making their return to the team, head coach Zach Trimble said the team is hungry for more success on the court.
“Have a pretty good core coming back with some experience. Three starters returning with a lot of young guys that are hungry. Should be able to go about 10 deep if we need to. Excited to build on our success from last year,” coach Trimble said.
Three-year starter Avery Petty (6-4, Sr.) is back at guard where his ability to run the offense and hit shots will allow coach Trimble to increase his role in the offense while still playing at a high level on defense. Avery is the type of player who comes into the season ready to play. Also look for Isaac Sheffield (6-1, Sr.) in the backcourt with Petty. Sheffield is quick with the ball and gives the Ridgerunners another player who can find the rim.
Colby Watson (6-5, Sr.) will play forward giving the team a big man who can battle for rebounds in the paint and post up the opponent’s top defender in the paint. Watson will play a key role in the team’s ability to grab offensive rebounds and get those second and third shots up. Another player looking to make an impact this season is Dax Collins (6-3, So.) at guard. Collins is comfortable at guard and stepping into the paint and working around the rim. Known for being a great teammate on and off the court, Collins could be a real X-factor for the Ridgerunners this season.
Briggs Fink (5-9, Jr.) and Cody Churchwell (5-9, Jr.) are two guards expected to see plenty of playing time thanks to their ability to push the action and play salty defense. Alongside River Stoval (6-3, Jr.), this junior class is hungry and ready to help this team win.
A large group of sophomores are poised for breakout seasons. Collins leads the class with Aiden Knight (6-3, So.) at guard. Knight can play a similar brand of ball like Collins and be a utility knife for Grove. Grant Alexander (6-0, So.) is a tough competitor at point guard. Coach Trimble said Alexander, “makes his teammates better and is a winner.” Jace Fink (6-1, So.) is another guard the team will need this season to help keep players fresh. Fink has excellent instincts on the floor. One player everyone is excited to see this season is Naaman Niehus (6-8, So.) at center. His development as a post player continues and could become a real game changer for the Ridgerunners this season.
Other players to watch include Maddox Hargis (6-3, So.) and Brody Davis (5-9, So.), both at the guard spot. Both Hargis and Davis add depth to the roster and give coach Trimble two legitimate players he can call on for quality minutes.
Overall, the team is poised for another excellent season. Coach Trimble is in his 15th season and is excited to see what this group can accomplish this year.
