League Predictions – River Ridge Hawks
The South Puget Sound 2A division features the River Ridge Hawks who look to knock off Renton High school for that #1 spot in the division. The Hawks have always been known as a athletic, scrappy, aggressive in your face team. Coming into the summer, the Hawks have started on a good note. Playing in the pierce college league where they went 3-1. With the loss of 3 key players, Labrandon Price (Centralia community college), Colton Knox (Puget Sound Community College) and Tre Dorfner. The Hawks are at a rebuilding stage that look quite promising with some of the younger faces taking the reins. The Hawks averaged over 90 points per game after they lost to Clover Park and have since been knows as a team who can shoot the lights out.
In an interview last season with John Barbee (Hawks Head Coach). During the Hawks mid-season struggle, he stated that, “Were all brothers out here. We are supportive of each other. As long as were winning that’s all that matters.” That shows the pedigree of this program. During the middle of the season last year, the hawks struggled. They were sitting at fifth in their division carrying a record of 5-4.
This season they look to start strong with some returning players who will be essential to another playoff run
Kelle Sanders is a 6’6 Senior forward who has some serious athleticism. Can run the floor, block shots and posturize his opponents with rim rocking dunks. This next season he will need to be more of a offensive threat and will need to spend some time in the gym working on his post moves and maybe develop a 15-foot mid-range shot to increase his scoring outp
Alex Coleman is a 5’11 senior guard who can attack off the bounce along with a deep 3 ball he can hit at a 45% clip. He will need to lead the team and become the floor general. His relationship with Coach Barbee will flourish and you will see a more focused Alex
With the Hawks finishing (16-6, 11-4 2A SPSL Sound) last season they were guaranteed 2A SPSL’s top four seeds into the 2A West Central District Tournament. After finishing one game short of getting to the championship. You know they will be hungry for a playoff berth and a chance to redeem themselves from last year.