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Grants Pass boys varsity basketball campaign 2021-2022
Grants Pass boys varsity basketball campaign 2021-2022
By Avery Alderson
For over 30 years, Grants Pass High School has had their Heater Newman Memorial Gym. Its ‘pit’ style has brought an exciting environment and has seen the many ups and downs of seasons. This year's 2021-2022 season has been an eventful one. Injuries and statewide COVID regulations have thrown tribulations to their season. The new head coach, Joel Jesse has created a new atmosphere for the players.
This season has brought various ups and downs. Here are some favorite highlights from the fans. Dylan Neufeld, starting senior point guard, scored a season-high 33 points against Bend and averaged 15 points per game. Students have said they have enjoyed watching Owen Alderson, senior shooting guard on the team, hit some deep threes. Two of their favorites were at Sprague. One sent the game to overtime and the other 3-pointer gave the team the go-ahead points for the huge upset win in Salem. Fans were also eager to talk about Mason Bennet's dunk in their recent away game against South Eugene. Mason is a junior starting post for the team. Jackson Polen, starting guard as a junior, has also been a lockdown defender and is one of the team leaders in steals.
As teammates have had to step up to fill spots due to several injuries, some of the most exciting highlights were from our starting sophomores in the most recent few games: Luke Morgan and Ivan Isley. Junior guard Cade Brandes and Alderson say their favorite memory from this season was playing Sprague. The game was a double-digit upset in a tough environment.
Injuries have been seen left and right. One of the few players that had a season cut short was Trent Anderson. Trent was a starting guard for the team and some of his teammates call him an “essential.” Trent tore his ACL, MCL, and meniscus. He says that his injury was mentally detrimental. Anderson said he felt like he was letting his team down. Trent says that watching the game from the outside has been hard, but he is happy to be there on the sidelines. Teammates have continuously had to step up and out of their comfort zone to help their team. Not being able to watch Trent and other injured players like Miles Anderson has been upsetting for fans, as well as the team. Some teammates say that not having these players has been their biggest obstacle.
The most recent COVID variant, Omicron, has thrown the fans and players for a loop. Kids were devastated when half of the season was limited to four visitors per player. Some players say games without fans felt “deflated.” The mandate went into effect on Jan. 10, 2022. Cases peaked around Jan. 21, 2022 and the mandate was lifted on Feb. 7. Students and fans were thrilled to be able to watch in person again. The team was happy to have back the excitement of the crowd. The energy in the student section matches the style of the gym.
Most of the team believes that the exciting environment and passion of this year's 2022 campaign was due to head coach Joel Jesse's first year and the new vision he brought to the program. Jesse is a former player who played for the Caveman in the late ’90s. He is so grateful for the opportunity and loves being home. Jesse says his favorite moments this season were upsetting Sprague and when he “smacked” Trent Anderson in a game of 2k by 28 points with the Lakers! Owen Alderson says that Jesse has created a ‘hyped’ atmosphere and his passion for the game is contagious. He is excited to see what Jesse continues to do with the program. Trent Anderson shares that Jesse helped him become the best player he could be and taught him a lot in the short time he had. Dylan Neufeld, who has been playing since he was two or three years old, says that “Jesse gave everyone the confidence they needed,” and “Has believed in every player since day one of the tryouts.”
Jesse says his inspiration behind this motive was to bring back the big crowds and excitement that he had back in the ’90s. He said, “It's rewarding if they work hard.” However, he says most importantly, his goal was to show them that he loves them and wants them to succeed. Overall, Jesse has left a lasting impression on the basketball organization.
After almost 30 years of basketball history at Grants Pass High School, this year was an eventful one for the books. As we say goodbye to our seniors, we look forward to the new generations and what they have to offer. This season has created hope for the future and left an impact on players and fans.
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