Article 69: Experience to aid Wildcats

October 21, 2010
School: Franklin High, Elk Grove
Mascot: Wildcats
League: Delta Valley Conference, Sac-Joaquin Section
Division: Division I
Head Coach: Jesse Formaker, 4 years (entering 5th), previously with Hayward High (01-06)
Assistant Coaches: Martin Mannie, Marcus Bray, Duane Paterson
2009 Record: 26-6
2009 Playoff Results: 3-1, Sac Joaquin Division 1 Runner-Up, 1st round NorCal
Final NCP 2009 Ranking: D I On the Bubble

Players to Watch: Chukwuemeka Iroegbu (2011), Anthony King (2011), Theo Johnson (2012), Ikenna Iroegbu (2013). The Iroegbu brothers had a good run against top competition with their Soldiers team during the summer. Theo Johnson is a versatile forward who can do a little of everything.

Sleepers: Shikabe Aziz (2012), Darin Johnson (2013). Aziz is a point guard that directs traffic well and can run the fast break. Johnson is a long guard that plays above the rim and can be a good shoot blocker for his position.

Team Offensive Strengths: The offense is fast paced that is good with its passing schemes and its fast break transition.

Team Defensive Strengths: The defense plays intense, man to man defense. The defense will cause many turnovers leading to easy transition points.

Game(s) to Watch In Division: Davis High was the only team to beat the Wildcats in league play last year. Monterey Trail is new to the league and also beat the Wildcats out of league last year. Pleasant Grove was a playoff team from last year. Laguna Creek will be a top team in their league that is led by Christian Carvin.

Game(s) to Watch Out of Division: Analy was a Nor-Cal caliber team from last year. Cosumnes Oaks is the neighborhood rivalry game. Sheldon would be a rematch of Section Championship.

If these 3 things go well, the season will be a success: Team defense and rebounding need to be a consistent effort while free throw shooting needs to be improved.

Ikenna Iroegbu has Mach 1 handles while Theo Johnson showed his athleticism and length at the Super 100 event. Chuks Iroegbu and Anthony King bring senior leadership and physical toughness to the Wildcats. Expect this eclectic pack of Wildcats to have their roar heard in the Sacramento region and probably further south in the state.