By Jeff Kiesling
Hometown Weekly Correspondent
The DSHS Varsity Boys’ basketball season begins with a game at Bellingham High School on December 12th at 6:30 p.m. and runs through mid-February with games being played primarily on Tuesday and Friday nights. The Raiders return four starters from last year’s squad that finished with an overall record of 16-5 after a first-round playoff loss.
With 1000-point career scorer Luke Rinaldi having graduated, the Raiders’ scoring should be more balanced with several players possessing the ability to make their own shot off the dribble and hit reliably from beyond the three-point arc. Under head coach Rick Grady, DS was one of the best rebounding teams in the league last year and that should be the case again. Their rim players have returned bigger and taller than last season - when they feasted on conference foes. The offense should hum with the guard duo of Mason Melchionda and Jono Windle, either of whom can facilitate or score.
The core of this group has been playing together since they were in the sixth grade and their familiarity with each other should allow the offense to strike quickly and lead to transition baskets. The team has also added a few players who are new to DS or that played JV last season that are expected to bring size and quickness to the lineup. If the squad can stay healthy (Senior Brian Olson hopes to return from an ankle injury in time to help down the stretch) the boys hope to contend for the league title and again earn a tournament bid for the post-season. Best of luck to the team and Coach Grady this season.
DSHS Varsity Boys Basketball Team 2023-2024 consists of: Theo Allen, Thomas Churney, Harry Dummer, Charles Fang, Max Glick, Chris Kiesling, Evan Kinney, Gavin Lynch, Mason Melchionda, Lucas Olmstead, Brian Olson, Steven Saber, Grant Sullivan, and Jono Wendel.
