The use of “role players” might not have received as much attention were it not for the other players that developed as the season progressed. It should be noted that not only was the junior varsity team from ‘87-’88 undefeated, but so was the freshman team. That group of players were the product of the new youth basketball program in town, “Wahoops.” And as the season played out, the sophomore contingent on the ‘88-’89 varsity would show themselves to be worthy varsity competitors. The talent pool that Coach Mick Anderson was about to dip into was both rich and deep.
One sophomore, Jason Glock was a fixture in the varsity starting lineup from the start of the season, one of Wahoo’s “Big Three,” and cited by Coach Anderson as “one of the best sophomores in the state.” His three classmates would have to wait for their time to make a mark on the Wahoo success.
If you just checked the line scores, you might conclude that Steve Volin was also a starter from the get-go. Volin led the team in scoring on opening night, pouring in 19 points. However, 15 of those came in the fourth quarter as Wahoo cleared it’s bench in a 95 - 34 route of David City. But don’t dismiss this performance -- it certainly showed that he was capable. As the season progressed, the 6’ 3”, thick-bodied Volin emerged as the inside sub for the varsity; providing rebounding and physical defense, he would also finish the season with 67% shooting. . He effectively subbed for Hoffman (vs. Fort Calhoun ) and Glock (vs. Raymond Central) when the two starters were in foul trouble and the game was on the line. When Cliff Kreizel went down with a severe ankle sprain the last three games of the regular season, Volin was inserted as a starter and Wahoo won all three games.
Bernie Inbody and Ryan Eddie were the other two “super sophs” and, like Volin, got considerable playing time during the early season blowouts. The two quickly became identified as three point scorers and crowd favorites as they lit up opponents from beyond the arc. The home crowd cheered loudly as both drilled three’s during mop-up time against Fort Calhoun. Coach Anderson commented, “When you’re only 4’11”, somebody has to cheer for you.” (Actually Inbody was 5’9” and Eddie was 5’10”.) The injury to Kreizel also gave Inbody and Eddie more meaningful playing time. They responded well. While Wahoo had opened up a big lead initially against Schuyler, the lead had dwindled to five in the fourth quarter. The two long range shooters had gone 0 - 5 in the third quarter. But then Inbody nailed two three pointers and totaled 12 points in the fourth quarter. The two sophs combined to go 8 - 8 from the freethrow line in the closing minutes to preserve Wahoo’s undefeated season.
As Kreizel’s play remained limited during district, the three soph subs continued to make major contributions to the varsity victories. In the opening round, Inbody had his best scoring of the season, putting up 16 points with a 4 of 6 performance on threes. Against Boys Town in the semifinals, Eddie scored 24 points. When the state tournament rolled around Kreizel was ready to play and back in the starting lineup, but the sophomore subs were a seasoned group. Coach Anderson commented, “there’s a big difference between playing ... when you’re up by 30 or 40 points as opposed to a district tournament game.” And as the team prepared for the state tournament, the coach was somewhat prophetic: “If other teams sag their defense inside, we’ve got to be able to hit from outside.” The sophomore super subs were ready to contribute. |
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| Steve Volin drives baseline to score against Schuyler; Bernie Inbody spots up for a three against Ashland in the District Tournament; Ryan Eddie nets a three against Boys Town. |
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| Ryan Eddie started against Boystown in the District semifinal and scored 24 points. |
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| Steve Volin became a starter at the end of the season while Cliff Kreizel nursed a sprained ankle. |
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| Bernie Inbody's three point shooting became a key ingredient to the Warrior success. |
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