Vanderlinde continues to get the job done

EVART – Noah Vanderlinde has shown a lot of promise as a sophomore for Evart’s boys basketball team this season and the Wildcat coaching staff is looking to further tap into his potential.

It’s his first year on the varsity. He doesn’t usually start but comes off the bench to fulfill his potential. He’s had games with 17- and 18-point totals.

“The key is working in practice,” he said. “It’s a matter of getting shots off after practice and before practice and working on my game and listening to what my coaches say.”

It’s his first varsity season. Vanderlinde found out he would play on the varsity as a sophomore before the season.

“We didn’t have enough people to be on the varsity,” he said. “We only had something like just four people. We had to bring some guys up from the JVs. Coach told me I would have to play a big role. I wanted to take that challenge. I was very excited.

“It’s been going good,” Vanderlinde said. “I’ve been trying my hardest to help the team win. It’s a key knowing my role. My role is to come in and work my hardest, play defense and score.”

He indicated the midrange shot is among his top weapons.

“If they need me to play any position, I can fill my role,” Vanderlinde said.

Coach Kris Morgan has liked what he’s seen from Vanderlinde.

“He’s been up-and-down,” Morgan said. “Ever since his high scores a few weeks ago, he’s struggled. But it’s typical first-year stuff. He’ll be all right in the long run. We’re just to the point in the season where we are relying a lot more on our seniors.

“He works hard and is my most physical underclassmen. He just needs to work on consistency and focus.”

Evart is 7-9 entering basketball action this week.

“Our team wants to win a lot more,” Vanderlinde said “We have to finish it out. We can’t give up big leads.”

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Evart sophomore coming through at key times for Wildcats

Vanderlinde continues to get the job done