The varsity boys’ basketball team started its season with a pair of preseason tune-ups in the annual Heritage Preseason Classic.
The Wildcats first tipped off against the Brevard Christian Eagles on Nov. 13. With head coach Tony Riopelle giving the starters an early rest, an opportunity opened for the reserves to shine. Big men such as Sam Lack and Jacob Diamond led the way with double-digit points and rebounds. Reserve freshman point guard Christian Walker also got the start and showed potential in the 48-39 overtime victory for the Wildcats.
As the first preseason game was a positive outcome, the second, against the Heritage Panthers, was another story. The Panthers are in the larger and more competitive 6A division compared with West Shore’s 3A classification and proved why when they pounded the Wildcats in a 68-23 blowout.
Without senior team captain and starting point guard Scott Adams, the Wildcats lacked the necessary ball-handling and floor leadership and suffered during his absence. Battling numerous medical issues in his basketball career, from ankle surgery to concussions, Adams’ recent injury has drawn even greater concern.
“I was in a car accident which gave me pretty bad muscle spasms in my neck and a ruptured disk between C5 and C6 in my neck,” he said.
Depending on his pain level, Scott hopes to return to action soon.
“The doctor said that this injury will not heal for five to seven weeks and will cause stiffness and pain in my neck and upper back,” he said.
Despite the prognosis, Scott still plans to suit up this week.
“I asked the doctor if playing basketball could make the injury worse and he said it could but it’s unlikely. I plan on dressing out for both games (versus Brevard Christian and Satellite) but playing only against Satellite.”
The season officially begins with an away game Monday against Brevard Christian. The first home game of the season for both junior varsity and varsity has been scheduled for Tuesday against Satellite High. By then the Wildcats hope to have Adams in the lineup.
