A key to building a winning athletic program is improvement from year to year. If the 2009-2010 season is any indication, Alvarado’s boys basketball team is well on its way to being successful.
By winning 12 games this year, the varsity surpassed the number of wins the team had previous three years combined. As a program, the Indians won 45 games compared to winning just five last year.
“This year’s success was because the guys bought in to the system,” first-year head coach Kevin Starnes said. “They always had the talent to win, but I wanted to establish a structure for the guys to feel comfortable with. I am proud of their commitment.”
The varsity team’s improvement did not go unnoticed by District 12-3A coaches. Senior Nelson Trayler was named to the first team after leading the team with 8.7 points per game. He also grabbed 3.1 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game.
Trent Ingram and Broam Hart were named to the second team. Hart led the Indians with 5.6 rebounds per contest. Ingram averaged 7.8 points, 1.6 rebounds, 2 steals and 1.7 assists per game. Both were among the best shooters as well, shooting 41 percent from the field.
Receiving honorable mention accolades were Jerome Brown, Colton Warden and Tyler Bates. Brown was the only member of the team to average more than three rebounds, two steals and two assists per game. Warden shot 54 percent from the field and was second on the team with 4.8 rebounds per game. Bates, a freshman, led the team with 70 percent shooting from the field and 38 percent on 3-pointers.
Thomas Head, a senior post player, received academic all-district.
The Indians were a senior-laden team, but both Hart and Bates will return next season as the Indians try to continue their steady improvement.
“The seniors this year were great to coach,” Starnes said. “They came to practice everyday and worked hard. They are the reason for the turn-around this year.
“I am confident Broam and Tyler will lead our team so we will have an even better year next year. We have some guys moving up from a JV that went 18-12, so I am optimistic about our chances to surpass this year’s success.”
