Powder boys set title defense

Class 1A player of the year: Trent Dixon.

Class 1A coach of the year: Kyle Dixon.

How does Powder Valley’s boys basketball team top last season?

“It’s a whole different season this year,” said Powder coach Kyle Dixon.

“We’re pretty small, but I think we’ll be quicker.”

The Badgers lost 6-foot-7 post Jordan Pratt and wing Justin Allen, among others, to graduation.

Trenton Dixon, a junior, and seniors Bryson Kandle and Gavin Kandle return with the most varsity playing time. Levi Allen, Brenton Reed and Peter Colton also saw limited varsity play a year ago.

Brothers Sam and Joe Akers join the Badgers after transferring from Pine-Eagle.

“They should help us out down low,” Dixon said.

“And I have some freshmen coming up that will be pretty good.”

The Badgers’ coach said he has several players to choose from with 23 players out for basketball this season.

“Some of that is because went to a charter school status,” he said.

As the defending state champion, Dixon said, the Badgers “definitely will have a target on our back. It will be a tough road to get back to the top. Rebounding will be a key point for us.

“We want to get the ball out and go with Trent, Bryson and Gavin,” Dixon said.

He said the Old Oregon League will once again be tough with Wallowa, Imbler and Cove the front runners to challenge the Badgers.

“I think the league will the toughest it’s been in quite a while,” he said.