The 2011/12 EMCS Wolverines start their 20th season in the senior boys AA south Island league on Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. at home against Glenlyon Norfolk School.
The team welcomes back three seniors this year — point guard Ryan Albert, 6’4 centre Jason Demoe and third-year forward Alex Wright. The elder classmen will be looked upon for leadership as a trio.
Individually, Albert brings the team backcourt speed, a great three point shot and aggressive ball defence. Wright is a great rebounder and passer who will draw the toughest defencive assignment on most nights. Jason, the younger brother of former high school stand out Brad Demoe, has grown — a lot. Jason has an incredible reach and wingspan, making his 6’4 frame play more like someone who’s 6’7. The younger Demoe has worked very hard this pre-season on his post moves, aggressiveness, and cardio, and it shows so far.
Four of the five starters from last years strong junior team moved up this season. All have worked hard in the off season to strengthen their skill set. The four Grade 11’s are Eric Albert, Tristen Griffin, Ryan Ehman,and Chris Shankar. The strong and athletic Griffin will spend time at the small and power forward positions and fits well with the planned running game. Ehman brings his impressive size at 6’3 and 190 pounds, great footwork, and a vertical leap that allows him to play above his opponent. Grade 11 guard Shankar played nine games at the senior level last season. Shankar is incredibly quick on his feet, has a great medium-range pull-up jump shot, and now has the ability to score both left and right handed making him a formidable threat in the open court.
Two Grade 10s will spend time in support at the senior level this year — shooting guard Brad Smith and point guard Sean Mckenzie. With three players from last season missing, the pair are making it possible for this year’s drive to the playoffs happen.
Coach Trevor Bligh said the greatest ability of the Wolverines is their teamwork. The willingness to work together, assume their respective roles, and sacrifice personal achievements for team achievements. The boys play an up tempo game that pushes the ball at a fast pace, making for fun games to watch.