After finishing the 2019-2020 season with a record of 14-13, the Wright City boys basketball team is looking to get better every night while returning just one starter.

“Senior Branden Contraras is our lone returning starter. He played point guard for us and added a bit of scoring. Beyond taking care of the ball and being more selective on shots, I expect more vocal leadership from him this year,” said head coach Ryan Benz, who believes his team can build on last season. “I thought we played well all year. It was my second year with the team and we returned four starters so they were familiar with the style of ball I wanted us to play.”

As he enters his third year at the helm, Benz will look to several seniors to help carry the load. 

“Alex Polston and Dalton Wiser are seniors this year that came off the bench last year,” said Benz. “Alex I expect to help be a strong force in the post. He has great size for that position and has worked hard over the last year on his footwork and positioning in the post. Dalton is a very quick player who plays great defense. I see him becoming more of an offensive threat this year.”

The Wildcats will also welcome back a pair of seniors who sat out the 2019-2020 season — Drake Meyers and Jake Jude.

“They don’t look like they have missed a beat,” said Benz. “Drake is a lockdown defender who won’t back down from any defensive challenge. Jake will give us help on both the offensive and defensive end of the floor. He is a quick and long player.”

Another senior, Dominic Le Noir, who is coming off of a football injury, “has improved over the last couple of years,” said Benz.

Juniors Kyle Johnson and Hayden Beck are also back this season after being the first two players off of the bench last year. “They both contributed about six points and five rebounds per game,” said Benz. “They adapted to varsity very quickly last year. I expect them both to take their games to new heights this year. They both got stronger in the offseason and worked hard at improving their games both offensively and defensively.”

Additionally, junior Trent Bruning is back after logging some time at the varsity level last season. 

“His role will increase this year. He has worked very hard adding layers to his game,” Benz told The Record. 

“He has been a guard his whole career but has responded to the task of working on his post-game. He has also worked hard in the weight room.”

Junior Ian Wolff, who Benz calls “a very smart player who can play multiple positions” is currently out following an injury sustained in football and his return date is unknown. Carlos Luna, also a junior, did not play last year. 

“He has improved his shooting and decision making from his freshman year,” said Benz. 

Given the talent coming back and a positive attitude, Benz wants the Wildcats to compete and have the right mindset. 

“My expectations for the team are the same as every year. I want us to improve every game and really peak at the end of the year,” he said. “I also want us to compete in every game. Finally, we have always talked about controlling the things we can control. This year that will be more important than ever. We have already had challenges and I’m sure we will have more. I’m pleased with how our players have responded to things out of their control. They haven’t been discouraged.”