Returning seniors help Beetdiggers basketball start strong

The Jordan Beetdiggers are already off to a strong start for their 2011-2012 boys basketball season. And with a core of experienced seniors leading the varsity team, players and coaches are optimistic about what this season holds.

“We have some great returning players on our team who we are really excited about,” head coach Rob Geertsen said. “We think we can really play strong in our region and be one of the higher-ranked teams heading into state.”

This year marks the fifth that Geertsen has coached the Beetdiggers. Last year, Jordan recorded a 5-15 record and won only one game in its region. Geertsen is hopeful that this year will mark a significant turnaround for his team.

“We were developing a lot of younger players last year, and we had a few setbacks,” he said. “But this year, we are as strong as we have ever been, and we have the skills and the talent to have a great season.”

Four of Jordan’s starting five are returning seniors who Geertsen sees as leading the team to greater success this year.

In the guard position, senior Ryan Nemelka returns as Jordan’s leading scorer and hot hand from the three-point line. Nemelka is currently averaging over 15 points per game and has made 34 three-pointers.

Also playing guard, senior Taylor Loomis returns healthier than last season and continues to lead the team in assists. Last year, Loomis had a shoulder injury that kept him out of several games near the end of the season.

Senior Mark Krueger returns as the team’s leading rebounder. Last season, Krueger was the second leading rebounder in all of 5A basketball and, with nearly nine rebounds per game, looks to possibly take the title this season. He also rounds out Jordan’s scoring threat, averaging 13 points per game.

Also playing strong this year are returning seniors John Gleason and Trent Neilson who both play in the forward position. Senior guard Austin Haney, junior guard Chandler Smith and junior forward Brandon Pasker are among the other players Geertsen is considering key to Jordan’s success this year.

Now at the beginning of region play, Jordan boasts a 9-3 record. However, with a high level of competition in Region 3, Jordan ranks third behind West Jordan (11-1) and Alta (10-2).

Jordan opened its season with a 75-57 win against the Cyprus Pirates on Nov 23. Jordan then went on to compete in the Jordan/Alta Challenge tournament where it beat Twin Falls, Idaho 64-40 on Dec. 2 and Timpanogos 64-47 on Dec. 3.

After those games, Jordan took part in the Jordan Holiday Tourney Dec. 9 and 10. In the first round, Jordan defeated Mountain Crest 59-45, but then suffered its first loss of the season against Northridge the next day, 48-43.

Jordan then lost to Pleasant Grove 64-59 on Dec.14. Next, the team traveled to California where it defeated Fullerton 84-78 on Dec. 16 and lost to Vista, 58-56 on Dec. 20.

Following that road trip, Jordan has since won four games in a row. The Beetdiggers took down the Hillcrest Huskies 81-75 in double overtime on Jan. 3 and the Hunter Wolverines 73-65 on Jan. 6. Jordan then defeated Taylorsville 73-52 and won its region opener on Jan. 13 with a 65-63 win in overtime against Brighton.

“We do have a lot of potential and a lot of great kids on our team,” Geertsen said. “It is just about making the most of that potential and transferring it into wins.”