Team Preview:
Written by: Ryan Lee
The Capital boys’ basketball team wrapped up a perfect 26-0 season with a 63-53 win over Borah in the 5A State Championship game last season, and became the first school to go undefeated in the 5A ranks since 1995.
The Eagles will have to reload this season after losing some key players from last year’s state championship squad. They will be without sharp shooter and All-Idaho first team member Hunter Young, who accounted for 9.2 points per game last season to go along with 2.1 rebounds and 2.0 assists.
Capital also lost key contributors Nick Dow and Keegan Hansen to graduation.
Returning for the Eagles is senior All-Idaho first team point-guard Derrick White, who was the leading point and assist man last season at 13.4 points per game and 4.2 assists. They also return two more seniors in forward Elvis Rudan, and guard Conner Poulson. All were key pieces in Capital’s title run.
Coaching for his fifth season at Capital, Coach Paul Rush returns and is eager for the upcoming year and the Eagles chance to defend their 5A title.
“The keys for us to get back to the state tournament will be if we can sacrifice for each other for the betterment of the team, and staying humble through our successes. We are very excited about this year’s team. It is going to be a fun brand of basketball. The boys on the team will have a lot of fun playing a fast-paced, aggressive brand of basketball, and our fans will really enjoy watching our guys with their high level of skill and their ability to attack on both ends of the floor.”
With three seniors returning for Capital, they will have a nest of strong leaders to lead a younger Eagles roster. Coach Rush has confidence in his juniors and sophomores to be able to step up and fill the roles vacated from last year’s team. He mentioned junior Talon Pinkney, and has strong potential in him and a couple other sophomores from last year’s junior varsity team.
Capital’s outlook for the 2014-15 season looks to be a promising one. If they are able to develop their younger talent and sacrifice for the guy next to them they should have another shot at winning another district title and make another state title run.
GAMES TO WATCH: Rivalry games vs Borah on January 6, 2015 @ Capital and February 12, 2015 @ Borah. Match-upsto watch: Jones vs White.
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