12:00 AM, Dec. 20, 2011
John Renshaw
| A season of transition is an accurate portrayal for the current Hurricane Tigers.
For starters, many of the players haven't had much time to gel on the basketball floor after a long, but successful and well publicized football season, which they ended the school's lengthy 3A state title drought.
Back on the basketball court, not only are the Tigers getting used to one another, but they're also embracing a new coaching staff led by Brian Vaifanua.
With that said, however, a team in transition doesn't necessarily mean bad things for the program this winter. Actually it's quite the contrary.
"I think that it is very different going straight from football to basketball, but I think that we are adjusting well and we are working hard to get back into basketball shape," said standout forward Colton Marshall. "It will take some time, but I believe that we will get back into it really quick."
Hurricane will try to best its 15-7 mark from a season ago, which resulted in an early state tournament exit.
In the present, the team in transition was obvious after a 0-2 start to the season. The positives during that span, though, were both losses were within seven points. Since then, Hurricane rolled to three straight wins, including a 73-54 pounding over rival Juan Diego on Dec. 10. The team slowly coming together will get a tough challenge at the Dixie Great 8 Tournament, beginning today against Wasatch and Lehi on Wednesday.
Marshall can't speak on every other player's behalf, but the forward said he's enjoyed the new coaching staff and is fully confident of their dedication in taking Hurricane to the next level.
But if the program hopes to reach the same successful heights as the football program, Marshall will be the guy who will need to lead them there.
The veteran is thriving under the new regime, averaging 18 points and 12 rebounds per game. Like any good duo, Marshall has a solid partner in crime.
Center Boston Gubler is also providing bulk inside the paint, pulling in 11.8 rebounds and scoring 12.8 per game. The successes of the Tigers post players can also be contributed to the emergence of versatile guard, Weston Yardley (12.4 ppg).
Together, the Tigers trio has earned them the right to be in the discussions of region title contenders with other foes Cedar, Desert Hills, and Snow Canyon.
Said Marshall: "My role on the team is to just work hard in the post along with Boston Gubler and be a threat in the middle. I am really looking forward to this year and hope that we will do extremely well."
Along with the previous mentioned Tigers contributors, Marshall said they will also get a big boost from Taylor Parker (8.4 ppg), adding he's a great shooter and defender, who will lead our team like he did last season.
Hurricane begins its region slate on Jan. 4 against Dixie.
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