Height adds new dimension to Bulldog basketball

Size in the post and quickness in the backcourt bring a new dimension to the Whitefish boys basketball team this season.

“Our strengths will be height and length,” Whitefish coach Mark Casazza said. “Together with quickness and speed in the backcourt, it’s going to be a lot of fun.”

The Bulldogs feature six seniors and four juniors on a varsity roster deep with size. A dozen players are listed taller than 6-0.

“We’ll focus on getting the ball inside,” Casazza said.

At 6-8, senior transfer Garret Anderson brings a size advantage to the post Whitefish has lacked in recent seasons. Anderson was a force on the boards at a team scrimmage Saturday and kept a number of possessions alive.

Senior small forward Art Doorn, at 6-4, can stretch his game beyond the 3-point line, while 6-1 senior Hugh Ramlow has proven his ability on the block as power forward.

“Hugh works the inside as good as anyone,” Casazza said, “and he has a nice shot. We know Art can shoot really well.”

Senior Keaton Nicholson is deadly from 17 feet, Casazza said, and will play a key role as a scorer.

Seniors EJ Havens and newcomer Alex Wilson will lead a skilled backcourt.

“Those two work really well together,” Casazza said.

Havens was all over the court in Saturday’s scrimmage, showing off his jumpshot and ability to slash to the hoop.

Captains are Havens, Doorn and Ramlow.

Casazza says opponents will look to push the pace against Whitefish’s size advantage. Dealing with full court pressure is an area the Dogs will have to excel.

“We’re working on moving the ball with the pass,” he said. “We’re going to have to do that. Teams won’t want to get into a slug fest down low with us.”

Columbia Falls appears to be to be the frontrunner after winning their seventh consecutive conference title last season. Frenchtown also will be a force, Casazza said, but Whitefish should be in the mix come tournament time.

“We’re going to play a different kind of game this year, but it will still be Bulldog basketball.”

The Dogs finished 13-8 overall and 6-2 in the league last year, and missed the state tournament.

Whitefish opened the season at home Tuesday against Flathead High School with a tough 28-50 loss. They play at the Northwest / Southwest Tip Off this weekend in Polson and Ronan.