GCHS junior Kaden Risenhoover shoots a free throw during basketball practice earlier this week. The Red Devils are scheduled to play their first game of the season this week against Maeser Prep in Lindon, Utah. Photo by Mary Rice
However, senior Preston Walston is likely to miss the first six weeks of the season due to a broken arm and dislocated shoulder suffered in the state football playoffs, coach Travis Clark said Tuesday. Another senior, Wesley Rodda, also has a dislocated shoulder from football season and might miss the first game, the coach said.
On Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 5-6, tryouts were held to determine who would make the squad. Approximately 30 boys tried out for the team, Clark said.
He said the two injuries might eventually work to the Red Devils’ advantage.
“One will be out for probably the first month, while the other will likely just miss the first game,” Clark said. “It’s going to hurt us at first, but I think it will help us in the long run. Honestly, this team is doing a really great job so far, although it’s still a bit early in the season to really tell where we’re going. We’ve got a lot of excited players and a lot of tough returning athletes.”
Returning players who are expected to bolster the Red Devils’ competitiveness include juniors Koi Cook, Kaden Risenhoover, Nat Smith and Adam Jenkinson. Seniors Dale Thomas, Rodda, Walston, Kamron Call and Brett Walker also will fill out some of the varsity spots, Clark said.
“We have a really strong nucleus,” said Clark. “I think we’ll have a really good season and my expectations are that we can get to at least a third-place finish at region. Go Big Red!”
Grand’s first game will be Tuesday, Nov. 20, at Maeser Prep at 6 p.m. The team travels to Green River the following Tuesday, Nov. 27, to play the Green River Pirates at 7 p.m. The Red Devils’ first home game is Friday, Nov. 30, against the Gunnison Bulldogs at 7 p.m.