Wampus Cats looking to run and gun way to state

CLARK FORK — Here are two things you should know about the Clark Fork boys basketball team this season: One, they won’t lack for motivation when it comes to punching their ticket to state, and two, they will play at a blistering pace.

Head coach Corey Vogel, entering his third season at the helm, won’t have to worry about his team playing hungry this season. In last year’s district tournament, the Wampus Cats had five shots in the final minute to beat Kootenai and earn a berth to state, and all five quality looks just missed.

“We didn’t execute that final play, but we were right there,” recalls Vogel of the tough loss, noting many of the same players return looking to make amends. “They remember that locker room last year.”

It’s been a while since the Wampus Cats went to state, and Vogel believes he’s got a squad that can end the drought this season.

Leading the way will be a trio of seniors in guard Joey Hazinsky, wing Zack Klein and post Axel Anderson. Vogel says the team doesn’t have one superstar, and will need all three seniors to come up big.

Klein, who scored double figures in nine games last year with outbursts of 20, 24 and 30 points, figures to be the go-to player offensively.

“Instant scoring from everywhere,” describes Vogel. “He’s a long range shooter who can penetrate to the basket off the dribble.”

Hazinsky, playing his first season at Clark Fork, will add some octane to the fast break with ample speed, quickness and athleticism.

Manning the post will be Anderson, who will be extra motivated after sitting out last year with a neck injury. He brings a solid low post game, as well as a physical defensive presence in the paint.

“He’s just a tank in there,” says Vogel. “It’s tough to move him out of the way.”

Rounding out the starting five will be junior point guard Zach Nesbitt and 6-foot-3 junior post Tristin Bristol. Unlike last year, competition for starting spots will be heated, as bench players Nick Oas and Jaden Taylor, both juniors, and sophomore Brandan Bowen are all capable of providing solid minutes off the pine.

With the Cats looking to press and run and gun, having a deep bench will be key for both stamina and foul trouble.

“I’m so happy to have to fight it out to play. The competition to start will make everybody better,” says Vogel. “We want to start getting a lot more transition and speed, and having a bench and depth will help us press and run.”

The Cats finished 4-15 last year, but gelled and peaked during a tournament run. Vogel says the team is already ahead of where they ended last season, and believes state is a very realistic goal.

It doesn’t hurt that one of his senior leaders is also feeling confident heading into the season.

“I think we’re ready to get to state and I think it will be a powerful year for us,” says Anderson. “We’re looking to build this thing back. We’re going to be a speedy team, with lots of fast breaks.”

The Wampus Cats kick off the season tonight in Priest River. Tip off is at 7 p.m.