Bobcats optimistic about young talent

This could be the start of something big for the young Superior Bobcats boys basketball team.

The rapid rise of hoop talent from a sophomore class that has had unmatched success from junior level basketball to the varsity level this season is no longer a mystery. 

The Cats finished last season with a 6-14 with a mostly freshmen dominated roster, and now, as the saying goes, the chickens may be coming home to roost...with a positive connotation. 

Leading the way for this outstanding group of sophomore athletes is 6-4 sophomore post Landon Richards, who often drew double and triple teams in respect for his awesome potential and current ability. 

Add second-team all-conference sophomore guard Gannon Quinlan to the mix and the Bobcats have a foundation for several years of success. 

The only senior on this year’s team, Trizten Avila is a fast, athletic guard/forward who along with Quinlan gives the Cats a rapid backcourt. 

Those three players, along with several talented members from that sophomore class, and junior Phin Cataldo, another lightning quick guard are good reasons why head coach Make McElroy is excited about this team’s current ability and future potential. 

“We had a handful of freshmen and sophomores last season who have all returned,” McElroy said. “I am excited to see how they perform”. 

So are the fans, maybe more than future opponents. 

The Bobcats play in the highly competitive Western 7B conference, which features Eureka, Thompson Falls, Plains and Mission.  Both Mission and Eureka had heavy player losses via graduation, possibly opening the door a bit wider for the young Bobcats to rise. 

Most of these young players have been playing together since grade school and have formed a positive bond with a basketball emphasis. 

“This team loves to compete,” coach McElroy said. “They love to be a family and compete every single day.  We have a great number of players this year and that is a beautiful thing.  They are hard workers, which is something I love to coach”. 

And despite the challenging schedule coming up, McElroy remains optimistic this Bobcats team is something special. 

“I am looking forward to conference play,” he said. “I believe this conference, this season, is gonna be a battle.  We are always looking to improve from previous years, which I believe this team can do”. 

Superior opens the season this Friday and Saturday at the Hamilton Tip-off tournament.  They play their home opener December 12 with a game against a talented Hot Springs team.