WOODWARD — The leading scorer and rebounder from last year graduated, but with the rest of the roster returning, the Woodward-Granger boys cagers are hopeful of finding more frequent success on the hardwood.
W-G regularly fields teams in all boys sports that are, at the least, likely to finish in the middle of pack — save in basketball. The Hawks were 2-20 overall and 2-16 in WCC play last year. They have not finished above .500 since a 13-9 mark in 2011-12 and have only twice in the past 10 seasons finished with a winning record.
That, however, is the past, and the future remains to be decided. If a collection of multi-year starters can improve defensively and shoot at a higher percentage the odds are not insurmountable that the team can reach double-digit wins.
Bodie Harrison returns after averaging eight points per game as a junior, with Marcus McConahay (6.2 ppg) and Brady Aunspach (5.5 ppg) among the leaders suiting up again this season.
Harrison finished with 40 assists and 12 steals, McConahay with 37 assists and 24 thefts and Aunspach with 35 assists and 15 swipes. The trio posted a combined average of nearly three rebounds per game and will need to grab more caroms this year.
Derick Morgan (4.4 ppg) is back, as is Brody Easter (2.0 ppg). The former had 77 rebounds, 21 assists and 15 blocks, with the latter clearing 46 boards.
The team had a total of 196 assists and 111 steals, but 381 turnovers created a negative ratio the squad will look to reverse this season.
W-G shot 36.9 percent from the floor, a number which includes a 95-of-314 (30.3 percent) clip beyond the 3-point arch. The team averaged just 44.6 points per game but finished with an average margin of -22.9 ppg.
The new campaign begins with a trio of girls/boys twinbills, as W-G will host West Central Valley Nov. 29 and Martensdale-St. Marys Dec. 1, with a trip to Des Moines Christian scheduled for Dec. 2. All three sets will begin with the girls game at 6 p.m.
