SHS Player-a-Day Countdown: Ryan Roos

In preparation for the Bulldogs’ biggest games of the year, the Bee will highlight one (or two) Sandpoint boys basketball players every issue in the SHS Basketball Player-a-Day series.

The countdown resumes with junior guard Ryan Roos.

While browsing photos from Sandpoint’s Dec. 28 game against Davenport, a shot of junior wing Ryan Roos immediately stood out to me.

In the foreground, Roos is doing his best Jordan logo impression on a transition layup. Two steps behind, a Davenport freshman looks on with mouth agape — all while members of Sandpoint’s bench rise to their feet with smiles on their faces.

The next day, the image ran across all six columns. Some feature photos just make themselves.

When watching Roos play, it’s so easy to be that Davenport player: staring with mouth agape, simultaneously in awe of what Roos does on the court and upset that his moves can’t be duplicated. After all: Not everyone is a 6’2 wing that moves on the hardwood like it’s a trampoline.

Roos’s games usually involve an errant pass here or a turnover there. But then he’ll come swooping in on help defense for a block, or weave around defenders in mid-air to make a layup, and his mistakes are atoned.

Naturally, his athleticism has translated into points. Roos is leads the Bulldogs with four 20-point outings. And as a junior, one can only wonder what jaw-dropping moments Roos has in store for next season.

Game of Note: @ Lewiston

In Wade Engelson’s words: “Ryan Roos is an outstanding athlete. When you see him play, he’s smooth, quick and skilled on both ends of the court. His ceiling as a player is very high.”