By Bobby Narang –
Westmont High School basketball head coach Craig Etheridge understands clearly the ups and downs with trying to build a winning program and a winning season.
Hired in 1999, Etheridge immediately experienced the highs associated with winning and building a program. In his first year, the Sentinels’ won-loss record was 28-2 and they won Class A regional and sectional championships.
In year two, Westmont was 28-5 and took fourth place in Class A State tournament. After winning only nine games each in three of the next four seasons, the Sentinels put together a four-year run with at least 19 victories each season.
Since then, the Sentinels had not surpassed the 17-victory mark in the last eight years. But Westmont had a breakout season this year and won 21 of their first 25 games after defeating Peotone, 65-31, in Monday’s Interstate Eight Conference thirdplace game.
Etheridge gives credit to his senior core of Michael Thompson, Matt O’Leary, Troy Schlicher, and Caden Anderson for building the program back to respectability. All four players are all four-year varsity players.
“It’s a milestone for every program to try and get to 20 wins,” Etheridge said. “We’ve been close a couple of times. Last year we were on pace to get it, but fell apart near the end. It’s nice to get there. I have a great group of kids. Another nice mark for them.”
Thompson, a guard, said the seniors have been playing together for several years going back to before they were in high school. Thompson, an uncommitted football player, said the Sentinels were motivated to exceed last season’s 17-11 record.
“We came in with more focus this year and an emphasize on defense,” Thompson said. “We wanted to come out tonight and make a statement. A lot of us seniors have played together for a long time. We’re excited about the playoffs. We have to play good defense. Our offense comes natural for us.”
• Meanwhile, Sandwich knocked off Manteno, 59-42, in the Interstate Eight championship game. The Indians received a game-high 35 points from Jimmy Braddish to end the tournament, which was delayed an incredible 10 days due to the recent snow and brutally-cold weather.