TonganoxieMirror.com

Being a basketball team at a charter high school isn’t easy. The Don Bosco High boys hoops squad, coached by Brad Washington, has learned that all too well.

“We never have a home game because our school’s so small,” the coach said. “We’re used to going into the competition’s gym to play.”

At least when the Wolves battle at the Tonganoxie Invitational this week they will get to play some opponents on a neutral floor. Washington said his team (1-4) is looking forward to the challenge.

“Our kids are very excited,” the third-year Don Bosco coach said. “It’s been hard for us to get games. Wherever we can get games, we’re more than willing to travel.”

The Kansas City, Mo., school played just 14 contests last season, going 2-12, and the Wolves won’t have a long ride to Tonganoxie as they make their first invitational appearance. Being an out-of-state school, though, does provide a challenge because Washington said he isn’t familiar with a lot of the Kansas teams.

“We’re not sure what we’re getting into,” he quipped before noting he had seen Atchison play last season.

The young Wolves team should get a chance to grow this week with three games at the tourney, and Washington said the setting would be a good experience for his squad.

“By district time, you should be well prepared, mentally, to go into any environment,” he said. “You shouldn’t be intimidated.”

Don Bosco doesn’t have a lot of size, but the Wolves like to push the ball up the floor — “Our style is to rebound, get out and go,” Washington said.

The team is led by senior point guard Donavan Garrett, who has been Don Bosco’s starting lead guard since he was a freshman.

“He’s just quick,” Garrett’s coach said. “He pushes the ball up the court and breaks down the press.”

Inside, the Wolves have a lot of youth, but Washington said their interior players, including center Brandon Lewis, are making progress.

Don Bosco’s players are capable of scoring in bunches. It’s the team’s defense that has been troublesome.

“Defense is our major downside,” Washington said. “I feel we can run with any team, but I’m trying to get my frontcourt to understand how to rotate on defense.”