Kosciusko head coach Eleazarus Greenleaf is confident he has a number of leaders to draw from, and with four seniors, the trait isn’t in short supply.
As the Whippets attempt to reach the postseason this year, Greenleaf would just like to see a little more hunger for leadership roles among his squad.
“We definitely have the leadership, I just wish they would take more ownership and be more of a leader and not count on the coach to tell them when to be a leader and when to fall back,” Greenleaf said. “I would like to take initiative and take care of things themselves, which should help out in the long run overall.”
Kosciusko enters Year Seven under Greenleaf. The Whippets went 21-7 overall and 7-1 in Region 4-4A play last year. Kosciusko reached the first round of the MHSAA Class 4A playoffs, where it was defeated by Gentry.
As Kosciusko’s football season ended last week, a number of Whippets should soon rejoin their basketball teammates on the hardwood. Most notably, captains Zavier ‘Bobo’ Miller and Antonio Harmon. Greenleaf said their strict leadership styles complement Kosciusko’s other two captains well.
“Antonio Harmon and (Zavier) Bobo Miller are team captains, so it’ll be great once those guys get back,” Greenleaf said. “The two captains we have now are like the good cop, and the two who are coming are like the bad cop, so that will balance itself out moving forward.
Senior shooting guard and small forward Calvin Banks is finally healthy after battling a nagging ankle injury last season. Banks averaged 8.7 points and 3.5 rebounds per game in 25 contests last year.
“Coming into this year, we rested him a lot this summer and iced him,” Greenleaf said. “This year, he’s performed. I expect big things from him. He’s one of the go-to guys down the stretch when we need a basket or when we need to make a play. I expect him to be one of the people to do that.”
When listing defining traits for this year’s Whippets, without hesitation, Greenleaf mentioned speed. The addition of Kosciusko’s football players, he said, will give the Whippets a boost of athleticism on the court.
He also said defense should be a cornerstone of this team’s make up.
“Once we get those guys in and get them in basketball shape… I think defense will be our strength,” Greenleaf said. “I think we’ll be a really good defensive team.”
“I expect the seniors to play like seniors and guide the younger guys and prepare them for the upcoming year and get them some experience,” Greenleaf said. “I expect the team to be really successful this year.”
