There might be a new face at the helm, but the philosophy remains the same for the Issaquah boys basketball team.
“It’s going to be real similar, because we’re such a guard-oriented team,” said first-year Eagle head coach Jeff Altchech. “We’re really going to try and run up the court and try to dribble drive and really take advantage of our speed and our quickness.”
Altchech replaced Jeff Patrick, who resigned last spring after nine seasons. Familiarity is not a problem for Altchech. He assisted Patrick from 1999-2003 and from 2006-2008, and knows the players and program inside and out.
The Eagles return a large chunk of last year’s team, which finished 17-10 and two Sea-King district wins away from the 3A state tournament. Two key components are gone, however, in leading scorers Bren Hobzek and Matt Lapasin. The duo, who are both playing at Bellevue Community College this winter, combined for an average of 31 points per game as seniors.
“They were three-year starters and so much of our offense went through them,” Altchech said.
All is not lost, however.
Issaquah returns another double-digit scorer from last season in senior Robby Primrose. The 6-foot-3 forward averaged 10.6 points per game as a junior.
“He’s got all the tools so to speak,” Altchech said. “He played varsity the last two years, and started last year.”
Senior guard Ross Zuhl also brings back starting experience to the lineup. He averaged 8.1 points per game last year. Senior Sean Stuby, a 6-foot-4 post who missed 20 games last year with an injury, will anchor the middle.
Issaquah also returns its top two non-starters from last year in senior guard Connor McClain and junior guard Joe Evans. Both are expected to share starting time this year. Max Kolden, a 6-foot-6 forward, saw limited minutes, but will likely be one of the first off the bench this year. He’s the team’s tallest player, but is also one of the strongest perimeter players. Sophomore guard Nik Landdeck received varsity time as a freshman. The starting linebacker on the football team, Landdeck, along with football players Stuby and Zuhl, are expected to add a little toughness to this year’s squad.
“We’re working with them, letting them know we appreciate their aggressiveness, but if want them to last past the third quarter, they have to tone it down a little bit,” Altchech joked.
While the returning core is strong, the Eagles also gain a key player in Drew Nale. The senior, who is labeled a strong ball handler and perimeter shooter, transferred from South Umpqua High School in Myrtle Creek, Ore. Altchech said he will start at point guard for the Eagles.
Issaquah will finally start its season tonight at the No.2-ranked team in the state Garfield. The start to the Eagles’ season was delayed because the football team advanced to last weekend’s state championship. Players crammed in practices on Saturday and Sunday to meet the minimum five-practice requirement.
“My guys are ready to play. They’re sick of listening to us at practice,” Altchech laughed.
Issaquah and Garfield tip off at 8 p.m at Garfield High School.
