Talented Bulldogs look to take the next step in ’23-24

By David Peck
The Lovell boys basketball team took a big step forward last season under new head coach Shane Durtsche, forging a 12-15 record, qualifying for the state tournament and even winning a game at State following the program’s 6-15 season in 2021-22.
Now in his second year, Durtsche is looking forward to even better things ahead for the Bulldogs, noting that practice has gone very well so far.
“I’m very impressed so far with their effort and attitude and the work the kids have put in,” Durtsche said.
Asked if it’s easier getting going in year two, Durtsche replied, “Definitely,” adding, “I feel we’re so much further along, not just with the concepts, the Xs and Os, but also expectations, the culture – and me getting back into things. It took a while. I feel more prepared individually, as well.”
Durtsche said last year’s 12-15 record is somewhat deceptive, noting that 10 of the 15 losses came against strong teams Powell, Worland and Douglas.
“We want to continue to improve on what we built last year and take a step forward,” Durtsche said.
Durtsche said the offensive and defensive schemes will be similar to last year, especially early in the season.
“We’re a little bit bigger this year,” he said. “We may play bigger, at times, and we may pressure more this year. I feel our strength is still our four-out, one-in motion offense. We’ll look at some three-out, two-in combinations, too, and see how it works.
The lineup
Lovell lost starters Carter Lundberg, Joel Padilla and Trey Wambeke to graduation, along with strong contributors Ozz McArthur and TJ Scheeler, and two starters return in senior Parker Anderson and sophomore Owen Walker, along with junior Davin Crosby, who started down the stretch.
Working at point guard are junior Robert Romero and sophomore Matthew Newman, with Romero also playing the “two” spot (shooting guard).
“Matthew brings a lot of energy. He has a motor I’ve seen in few kids,” Durtsche said. “He’s go, go, go. There’s an explosive element to his game.
“Robert brings more of a scoring mentality. He’s a good shooter and handles the ball really well. They could be on the court at the same time.”
Slotted for the “two” guard are seniors Blake Wilson and Jared Mangus, with freshman Kaeson Anderson also expected to see some varsity minutes.
“Blake brings length and athletic ability, plus shooting,” Durtsche said. “He’s a veteran who has seen a lot of court time. Jared brings a toughness at the defensive end. He’ll put his nose in there and guard you. Side to side, he’s as good as anybody we have. His on-the-ball defense is very good.
“Kaeson has turned heads as a freshman. He makes good decisions and knows how to play the game.”
Also working on the wing at the three and four positions are Parker Anderson, Crosby and junior Braxton Felkins, with Wilson also playing out on the wing.
“They’re so interchangeable with the four-out offense,” Durtsche said. “Parker is a returning all-conference player. He has spent a lot of time working on his game this summer, and it shows. He has also come forward as a leader. He’s a scorer but has worked on all facets of his game. He’s a little quicker and stronger, and his confidence has grown after the season he had last year.
“Davin is your glue guy who does all the little things. He works hard on defense and rebounds. He’s also a leader, and he hustles. His offensive game has improved. He’s bigger and stronger, and his game has progressed.
“Braxton is another kid who plays very good defense and is the ultimate teammate.”
Sophomore Owen Edwards has worked hard and improved over the summer and will add depth to the lineup, Durtsche said.
Working inside at the four and five are senior JR Prosser, junior James Blau and sophomores Kyle Wilson, Brody Muller and returning starter Walker.
Walker, 6-6, is bigger and stronger than a year ago, Durtsche said, adding, “The game has slowed down for him after the experience he gained last year. He’s worked on his all-around game. He has the ability to set out and play on the perimeter, too.”
Wilson has grown to 6-5, Durtsche said, noting, “He has emerged a little bit over the summer. He’s worked on his game and physicality. His coordination and athletic ability is developing.”
Blau, Muller and Prosser will see minutes in the post or at the four, Durtsche said, adding that Prosser has a big body but also runs the floor well.
Nicc Crosby returns as the junior varsity coach, and Michael Jameson is back as the freshman coach. Volunteer coaches are Kevin Walker, TJ Scheeler and Joel Padilla.
Bridger Valley
The Bulldogs will make the long trip to Uinta County this week for the season-opening Bridger Valley Tournament in Lyman and Mountain View. Friday in Lyman, Lovell will play Big Piney at 3 p.m. (JVs at 7:30 p.m.) and host Lyman at 6 p.m. (JVs at 1:30).
Saturday in Mountain View, Lovell will meet Manila, Utah, at 10:30 a.m. (JVs at 9 a.m.) and host Mountain View at 3 p.m. (JVs at noon).