The Waggener Wildcats haven't had a rich basketball history, the last time they made the 7th Region Tournament was in 1998. Their most recent success came in 2007/2008 when they went 22-6, however after that season Head Coach Kevin Klein returned to his Alma mater St. Xavier and highly touted freshman LaVonne Holland transferred to Ballard.

 

Things are starting to look up though for the first time in a long while. Second year Head Coach Bryan O'Neill returns leading scorer Joseph Head along with top juniors Roderick Maddox and Semaj Ingram. Then you factor in what could end up being the top freshman class in the state. Brandon Wells, Tony Washington, Kevin Kirby, Nicholas Kratholm and Jaalam Hill all have the ability to compete for playing time now.

 

I recently talked with Head Coach O'Neill about expectations, his freshman class and the program he's building at Waggener. Check it out:

 

 

- Waggener 5'8" 247 lb Senior Guard Joe Head is currently receiving interest from Berea College and Bellarmine

 

- Head expects this year's team to win more and make it to regionals. "I just want us to win more and try to get to regionals."

 

- Waggener 6'1" 152 lb Junior Guard Semaj Ingram will look to help fellow Junior Roderick Maddox and Senior Joe Head lead the Wildcats.

 

The main storyline this year for Waggener will follow how all the new components fit in with what the Wildcats already have. If they develop the right chemistry this is a team that could compete years to come.

 

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I wanna thank the Waggener staff and players for welcoming me and I wish them a successful season.

 

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Nice article. Who is in Waggener's district?

Nice article. Who is in Waggener's district?

 

The 27th District: Trinity, Seneca, Atherton, Waggener

The 27th District: Trinity, Seneca, Atherton, Waggener

 

Gives them a good chance this year to make Regions. They can't compete with Trinity right now, but can beat atherton and Seneca.

Getting back to the 7th Region tournament is a very attainable goal here. They beat Atherton last year, albeit in overtime and lost their two meetings with Seneca by a combined nine points. Again this year the key will be making sure they're the 2 or 3 seed and avoiding a first-round district tournament matchup with Trinity.

Gives them a good chance this year to make Regions. They can't compete with Trinity right now, but can beat atherton and Seneca.

 

Absolutely. Great interview and great article. Thanks for posting it.

Absolutely. Great interview and great article. Thanks for posting it.

 

No problem I'm glad you enjoyed it.