July 8, 2011
The Inderkum High Tigers finished last season at 13-13 and tied for second in the Tri County League. The league was dominated by Yuba City who went undefeated in league play. A key Inderkum returner to help challenge for the league will be 2012 post Devon Soderberg who averaged 16 points, 12 rebounds, and 2 assists in his first year as a starter.
At 6-foot-5 and 185 pounds, Soderberg plays as the team's center but is versatile enough to play the forward position as he can bench press 225 pounds, squat 315 pounds, and has a vertical of 36 inches. Due to his athleticism and strength, he compares his game to UCLA star Kevin Love because he can rebound both offensively and defensively and gets most of his points off of offensive rebounds and free throws. Soderberg considers himself to be a power player as he is a proficient rebounder and has an assortment of post moves.
During this offseason, he is working on his dribbling and free throw shooting as he wants to be able to handle the ball more and have more control in the post. In addition, he is playing for his Spirit Got Game club team in his first year.
Spirit Got Game Coach Mike House frankly assesses Soderberg, "Devon is a ferocious rebounder, especially on the defensive end of the floor. He is dominating on the offensive end of the floor playing with his back to the basket, isolated one-on one almost unstoppable. He sees and runs the floor well, good ball handler, and a good passer. Has the ability to knock down the mid-range shot or create off the dribble. Very coachable, and learns fast. He is very much a team player who plays within the confines of his abilities, and the team identity. Likes to get a feel of the game (or flow of the game) sometimes before his engine opens to full throttle. However, after a few words of encouragement, his effort and ability to take over a game which is a coach's dream."
Soderberg was previously on the varsity baseball team as he played first base and designated hitter. During last fall, he made the difficult decision of focusing exclusively on basketball. After the season was over, he joined the Spirit Got Game club team and has not looked back since.
As a result, Soderberg could be considered a late bloomer in the hoops game. Hence, he has not received any college contacts yet. He wants to play for a run and gun fastbreaking style of offense but is open to going anywhere.
When asked about Soderberg's college potential, Coach House has this to say, "Let me be emphatically clear on this question. While there is NO DOUBT what-so-ever that if Devon remains healthy, he will play at the NCAA level. The only question becomes at which level D1, 2, 3, or NAIA. That will be a question for perspective coaches depending on their observations and needs of their program. But again, I state without hesitation or reservation: Devon will play at the NCAA level and be a factor for the coach/team who will become the beneficiary of his talents."
Soderberg hopes to be a key leader for his Tigers and to help them make a run in the playoffs. In the recent Memorial Day Classic in Hayward, he won the MVP award for the 2011 Blue Division.
Coach House has this pithy comment, "As a coach, I look for what I call the hidden qualities. Can the kid run, jump, dribble, shoot - these are all visible qualities and play a large part of what most of us consider "Talent" but are easily discerned. The Passion, Drive, Determination, Fire in the gut, Attitude and Heart of a player - all of which are hidden qualities that manifest themselves after and only after the rigors of the tough practices, and the sometimes harsh but constructive words meant only to motivate and teach are the intangibles that separate finishing at the high school level or moving on to the NCAA level. Devon has the package, the entire package. He goes about the task at hand of being the best he can be on and off the floor, and when the game elevates to that higher and tougher level, the Fire, Drive, Determination, and yes H E A R T always rises to the occasion. And that will always be signs of a winner in life, the locker room, and the basketball court."
For Inderkum to have a successful upcoming season, expect them to go inside to Soderberg.
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