After physically transforming from 5’10” small forward coming off the bench to starting 6’5” centre, Lacombe Composite Ram Carson Prins is hoping his team can make the transformation into City Champions next year.
Prins hit his growth spurt between Grade 9 and 10, and then made the jump from junior to senior basketball in Grade 11. Over the course of the year, Prins would capture the starting centre spot where he teamed up with fellow Grade 11, dynamite scorer Jared Gamble to form an up-and-coming dynamic duo.
“I grew through the year and started becoming more of an offensive threat, rather than just a rebounder,” Prins said about his progression over the course of the year, which ended in a disappointing semifinal loss to the Lindsay Thurber Raiders.
That growth into an offensive weapon came from the guidance of Rams Coach Tylor Johannesson, along with help from his veteran teammates. The initial spark on how to handle the centre position, however, came from his junior coach.
“I had no idea what to do and I was uncoordinated coming into Grade 10 tryouts. She told me where to stand and how to call out the defences,” he said.
After learning the fundamentals, Johannesson was able to implement an offence that catered to his emerging talents Prins and Gamble.
“It started working good with the pick and roll. We started getting on the same page. No matter where he is on the floor, he can get it to me,” Prins said.
The Rams are also poised to be able to capitalize on the space created by Prins and Gamble with shooters on the perimeter.
“Cole Lardner will step up as a great shooter and Caden Cook can cross anyone he wants to. Aiden Anderson is another great shooter and Declan Larsen is another big man coming up,” he said.
Prins is of course, working on his inside game to compliment those shooters — but he is also working on his handle and shooting to keep defences honest next year.
”I should have a better game from outside the paint,” he said.
Prins is optimistic about next season and says his squad needs to want it more that the other Red Deer City teams.
“I feel like we can finally take the division title. Last year was a little disappointing, but it was still great. It was a good learning experience for me and I feel that will be a good step for this year,” he said.
todd.vaughan@lacombeexpress.com
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter
