Execution is key in 2013 for Sheldon Panthers basketball

By Eric Wade

Daily Mail Sports Editor

SHELDON -- Sheldon High School's boys' basketball program has created a rich history of dominance in recent years. That, along with the usual pressures of maintaining a quality team at the high school level, has head coach Tyler Judd in a unique position, heading into the 2013-14 season.

Judd's squad finished 13-0 in Golden Valley Vernon County Conference play last season and will return six lettermen from last year's squad, thus relieving some of the pressure from his shoulders. Among those returning to this year's squad are senior forwards Corey Baney, Reed Worsley and Zack Enochs, junior guards Micah Swanson and Jacob McCartney and junior forward Cody Hicks.

Though the Panthers are bringing back a solid core of offensive talent this year, the same might not be true on the defensive side of the ball. Taylor Belew, Robbie McCartney and Kasey Jones were a significant portion of a stingy Panthers defense that rarely allowed the opposition to score more than 25 points last season.

"We will lose a little on the defensive end but I have faith in our other boys stepping up to fill that void," Judd said.

That faith comes from the fact that the Panthers have simply continued on the path they have been on for the duration of Judd's time at the helm, along with the addition of a few new faces to the varsity squad.

"I am excited to see what Cody Hicks, Trenton Heckadon, and Jacob McCartney give us this year,' Judd said. "Cody and Jacob both lettered for us last year, but their role will be more significant this year.

"Cody is a phenomenal athlete that is rare to find. Jacob should be a nice compliment to our starting point guard Micah Swanson.

"Trenton does everything pretty well. He is an outstanding passer and a good post player for his size."

Judd said the biggest key to his squad's success this season will be simple -- execution. The Panthers will bring a very balanced offensive attack onto the court and will be "tough to defend," Judd said, making execution of the game plan as it is drawn up the most significant key to success in the coming season.

"I would say our biggest strength is the quality of our kids," Judd said. "These kids have a great work ethic and want to get better everyday.

"They are fun to coach. They are also a very talented group with good size and athleticism. We like to make it tough on teams to score on us with our length and ability to control the glass."

Judd won't have to wait long to see just how well his squad will be able to adjust to the new lineup and the absence of last year's seniors, or to see how much he can add to his 51-28 career record as a coach, as his squad is set to kick off the season Tuesday, when the Panthers host Montrose. The first of two varsity contests on the schedule that night is set for 5:30 p.m., in the gym at Sheldon High School.