As the West Prairie boys basketball program prepares for year three of the Ian Conkling era, the Cyclones look to build upon the success of last season where West Prairie finished 14-17 overall, a 10-game improvement from Conkling’s first year at the helm.
Although Conkling would love to see another 10-win improvement this season, he is more realistic when setting team goals for this year’s squad.
“Twenty (wins) has always been my personal goal but I would like to see overall improvement from last year,” said Conkling. “Just to continue to take those next steps. We have not set any of those goals (20 wins). First and foremost, let’s win a regional. That’s kind of where our mindset is at.”
The Cyclones will have six seniors on the roster including forwards Ryan Clark and Brody Cordell who played ample minutes last year as starters before Cordell was lost to a broken collarbone.
Conkling expects them along with returning junior Eli DeCounter to provide some much needed physicality inside.
“Ryan Clark really stepped up from his sophomore to his junior year,” said Conkling. “He improved to 11 and a half points (per game) and is a good rebounder. And we missed Brody for about half a season last year, so that really kind of tested our depth. Eli DeCounter is kind of a catalyst who can do a lot of different things.”
Offensively, the Cyclones should have plenty of firepower with the return of junior guard Braden Coplan, who led West Prairie last season with an 18.0 ppg average and also broke the 1,000 point barrier.
Junior guard Matt Whitman also returns to provide Conkling with experience on both ends of the floor.
“(Whitman) is one of our best defenders at the guard position,” Conkling said. “Pound for pound, he’s a very stout kid. Defensively, we’re trying to become a lot better than in the past. And (senior guard) Jason Foust is a pretty good shooter from outside and you can always use good shooting.”
Conkling is also hoping to get some contribution from 6-foot, 3-inch freshman Gannon Shipman and 6-foot senior forward Austin Nelson, who was the Cyclones’ leading rusher this season on the gridiron.
“Shipman with his size is very skilled for a freshman and he’ll obviously adjust to the varsity game,” said Conkling. “Austin Nelson hasn’t played since his freshman year, but he understands his role. Physicality is that kid’s middle name so I’m okay with him coming off the bench to give someone the opportunity to grab a little rest.”
With more depth and experience on the roster this season, Conkling says his squad has shown an upbeat and positive attitude so far in practice.
“They’re embracing what we are trying to do and our mindset on things,” said Conkling.
“We’re making it pretty difficult on the kids on a day-to-day basis. We want to practice how we intend to play. Plus, this group just thoroughly enjoys challenging one another. I have freshmen that want to go up against varsity players because they want a spot on the varsity.”
Conkling also credits Sam DeCounter, his assistant coach who coaches the JV team and has spent many hours helping to develop the younger players who are now ready to contribute at the varsity level.
“We’re always on the same page and we’re constantly working together,” Conkling said. “It’s nice to have that kind of working relationship that works out well for the program.”
West Prairie will start the season by participating at the Bushnell-Prairie City Tip-off Classic where the Cyclones will open on Nov. 24 against the host Spartans followed by contests against Macomb, Illini West, Abingdon- Avon and Illini Bluffs during the week.
“A lot of good opportunities early to kind of see what we’re made of,” Conkling said. “We’ve really focused on conditioning and embracing that physicality. It’ll be a good challenge right out of the gate.”
