Basketball season doesn’t tip off for another four months, but that hasn’t prevented the South Kitsap boys team from keeping busy.
The Wolves completed their annual five-day camp last week at Gonzaga University, and coach John Callaghan is upbeat about the team’s progress.
“From day one to day five, I think we’ve improved more than any team we’ve taken over here,” he said.
That’s important for the Wolves, who finished 11-10 last season — one of the worst records of Callaghan’s career.
He’s guided South to six state playoff appearances, including a second-place finish in 2004, in his 10 seasons as coach.
“Every team we play, the coach comments on how hard we’ve played,” he said. “I’m not sure that was the case last year.”
Even though the Wolves had nine upperclassmen last season, only a few had any varsity experience. Their leading scorer, senior Nick Johnson, didn’t even play basketball his junior season.
“They got to know each other on and off the court,” Callaghan said. “That’s probably one of the biggest things. The new guys got to know our system. We got everyone on the same page.”
He said that, along with the quality of instruction and play at Gonzaga, makes the 320-mile trip to Spokane worthwhile.
Gonzaga coach Mark Few has guided the Bulldogs to the NCAA Tournament in each of his nine seasons.
“With gas prices and all that, it’s tough,” Callaghan said. “But it’s worth it for our guys. Their clinics are awesome and that’s why we come here.”
Callaghan seemed particularly excited about the seniors-to-be, including guards Tionne Curry, Ricky King and Ivan Rybachuk, wing Michael Longmire and forward Austin Siegel.
Six-foot-five forward Collin Monagle didn’t participate in the camp because he plays baseball during the summer, but Callaghan expects him back next season.
Incoming sophomore Isaiah Davis is a newcomer who impressed Callaghan.
“He’s going to have an impact on varsity,” Callaghan said. “He plays some point guard and he’s tough. He’s had a really good summer and a great camp.”
The Wolves finished camp with a 7-3 record.
Their worst loss was a nine-point setback against Spokane’s Shadle Park, which advanced to the second round of the Class 4A state tournament. The Highlanders have one of the state’s top seniors, guard Anthony Brown, a Washington State commit.
Callaghan said the camp also featured a select team from British Columbia among the 106 teams there. He hopes to add another of his own next year. The Wolves’ varsity and junior-varsity squads attended camp this year, but Callaghan said he probably will bring a freshman team next year. He said there wasn’t enough interest to do it this year.
But first, South has the regular season to focus on.
“We’re excited,” Callaghan said. “We’re going to surprise some people.”
