Wade Jewkes
Waterford lure is academics, but sports are important, too
by Wade Jewkes, Deseret Morning News
SANDY — In today's athletic world, whether at the college or high school level, sports seemingly come first in the lives of many players and many of the fans.
Not at Waterford.
Talented athletes often transfer from one high school to another to find the right fit for their athletic abilities. Not at Waterford. In fact, just the opposite has been known to happen.
Julianna Simon transferred from an athletic powerhouse here in the valley just this year, and as a senior will play basketball for the Ravens. Did she transfer so that she might find more playing time and find a better fit into the sports programs?
Not exactly. Students don't pay enormous private tuition fees so that they can come and play sports at Waterford. The lure here is strictly academics.
Simon transferred because she felt the need to be challenged academically. And she will still continue her athletic career in volleyball and basketball. She made the Academic All State Volleyball Team and is averaging six to eight points per game playing basketball for the Ravens.
The Waterford girls' basketball team is literally starting over this year. The five starters from last year all graduated and four or five of the most experienced underclassman have opted to leave the team and concentrate on —no, not studies — but club volleyball.
Assistant coach, Kent Hercules, said the task that lies before them is, "really a challenge." The team is starting from the ground up. To illustrate the enormity of the task Hercules said, "one player asked in practice, 'what is an outlet pass.'"
But he is optimistic in what he sees: "They have improved so much since the first game. It is fun to watch their progress in the last few weeks."
Returnees include seniors Kristina Karg and Brianna Brazell. Karg sprained her ankle in the first week of practice but still has managed to score about six points per game. Brazell is a defensive specialist and she made Academic All State in soccer. She is also a National Merit Scholar.
Newcomer freshman Carlie Marr came from Bennion Junior High on an academic scholarship. She didn't play basketball before but is expected to help the team.
Leading scorer is sophomore Kimi Miyashima at point guard. Hercules describes her abilities: "She is a good ball handler and can drive to the basket."
Head coach is Craig Morris in his seventh season. Last year the Ravens compiled a 15-8 record. This year according to Hercules, "will be a big rebuilding time for us."
BOYS: Reed Monson is in his seventh year as head coach of the Ravens. After playing at the University of Utah, he wasn't sure how he could stay involved in the game so he enlarged his driveway and set up hoops — not so unusual except he then organized basketball camps for youths — in his driveway. One of his former students went on to play at Waterford and called one day to inform him that the coaching job at Waterford was open. He applied, and the rest is history.
"This allows me to do something that I really love to do," he said. He still maintains a full-time job in the business world. Last year the Ravens posted a respectable 10-8 record.
Josh Augustine returns at point guard starting for his third consecutive year. He is just the type of player every coach would want. "He runs the offense, he's a good shooter, a gym rat and hard working," said Monson.
Jeff Etcheverry returns at center. He stands 6 feet 5 inches and averages eight to 10 rebounds per game along with six or seven points.
Alex Orr saw significant playing time last year and he shoots 3-pointers. "His defense is underrated," said Monson. "And he must shoot 50 percent from the 3-point line."
Newcomers include Monson's freshman son, Neal. At 6 feet 5 inches and carrying the Monson basketball genes, he looks to be a big part of the program in the future.
Parker Mitchell is a 6-foot-6-inch wide body. "He is starting to get his feet wet," said Monson.
He said it might look like his team has some height, but it is unlikely that the big players will be on the floor at the same time.
Etcheverry says, "I am comfortable down low." And he will see most of the playing time in the post. Augustine is the team leader and says he can shoot the ball and drive, but says "I tend to find myself pulling up for short jumpers."
Monson believes the team's strength is unselfishness and balance. "We have to play as team," he said, "And we do have to show up for every game."
Waterford boys basketball
Class: 2A
League: Region 14
Coach: Reed Monson
Last season: 10-8
Key players: Josh Augustine, Jeff Etcheverry, Alex Orr, Neal Monson, Parker Mitchell
Remaining schedule
Jan. 3 — Duchesne at Waterford, 6 p.m.
Jan. 5 — Waterford at Manila, 7 p.m.
Jan. 9 — Waterford at North Summit, 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 12 — Waterford at American Leadership, 7 p.m.
Jan. 17 — Rowland Hall at Waterford, 7 p.m.
Jan. 19 — South Summit at Waterford, 7 p.m.
Jan. 23 — Waterford at Juab, 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 26 — North Summit at Waterford, 7 p.m.
Jan. 31 — American Leadership at Waterford, 7 p.m.
Feb. 3 — Waterford at Rowland Hall, 3 p.m.
Feb. 6 — Waterford at South Summit, 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 9 — Juab at Waterford, 7 p.m.
Waterford girls basketball
Class: 2A
League: Region 14
Coach: Craig Morris
Last season: 15-8
Key players: Kristina Karg and Brianna Brazell.
Remaining schedule
Jan. 6 — Waterford at Bryce Valley, 3 p.m.
Jan. 9 — Waterford at North Summit, 6 p.m.
Jan. 11 — Waterford at American Leadership, 7 p.m.
Jan. 16 — Waterford at Rowland Hall, 7 p.m.
Jan. 18 — South Summit at Waterford, 7 p.m.
Jan. 23 — Waterford at Juab, 6 p.m.
Jan. 25 — North Summit at Waterford, 7 p.m.
Jan. 30 — American Leadership at Waterford, 7 p.m.
Feb. 1 — Rowland Hall at Waterford, 7 p.m.
Feb. 6 — Waterford at South Summit, 6 p.m.
Feb. 8 — Juab at Waterford, 7 p.m.