2018-19 Team Preview: Eisenhower Cadets

Key Players 

SG John McDonald - Under the radar guard in the Big Nine. Quietly put together a solid junior campaign, and should be even better. Has a quick release that works from all over the floor. Can create his own shots.

PF/C Demario Morgan - Was a full time starter as a sophomore last year. Saw leaps and bounds improvement. He's a strong 6-4 big man that holds a lot of responsibility.

PG Teddy Rodriguez - High motor ball handler that will work a lot of minutes. Can be trusted to distribute the ball and limit turnovers. He's going to be a cornerstone piece going forward.

Overview

Every year we say this is the year Eisenhower turns it around. This year may actually be it.

It's a program that's had eight straight losing seasons, and six different coaches during that span.

There appears to be stability at the mast going forward. New head coach Christian McDonald is a history teacher at Eisenhower. He's also stated his interest in wanting to be in charge long term.

It should bring tremendous culture change not only to the basketball program, but the school as well.

It will all start in his debut season, and he's going to have two returning starters to work with.

On an inexperienced roster, senior guard John McDonald stands out early.

The 5-11 guard has built his game around the three point shot in the past, but has expanded to be a true all around threat.

Another returning starter is junior Demario Morgan. He's a program player and the team is excited for what he does this year. Expect plenty of rebounds and defense.

Joining him in the front court will be 6-2 senior Will Yocom. He brings a linebacker-esque mentality to the floor. Can also score from underneath.

It's never a bad thing to be described as a game manager point guard. That may be what Teddy Rodriguez is this season.

In the past, Eisenhower has had a tendency to abandon plays and start shooting at will. Rodriguez ensures that gameplan's will be executed.

Starting at the small forward position is going to be 6 foot junior Dylan Yeager. He got limited minutes last year, and will be expected to contribute in all categories.

A newcomer coming in at point guard will be 5-8 junior Danthony Smith-Gary. He's similar in stature and playing style to Rodriguez.

A couple players to look for coming off the bench are going to be 6-2 sophomore Isaac McDonald, and shooting guard Abraham Fernandez.

The family lineage will continue with Isaac; as he's the younger brother of John McDonald. He possesses great physical intangibles at a young age.

Fernandez will be a sixth man guard that plays with aggression. He's a high volume shooter and can drive to the basket.

It this team is going to win the Big Nine, they're going to need at least one all-league performer out of this group.

It's hard to say there are any clear cut front-runners. Although if McDonald and Morgan take a big step forward, they can launch themselves into that discussion.

Projection: Two years ago this team appeared to be on track to break out. They were 9-12 in 2016-17 and had a bevy of talent returning. Now they're back at phase one after going 6-15 this past season. An obvious first goal for this group would be to pull a winning record. One thing they have going for them right now is the sheer parity in the Big Nine. They can jump on unsuspecting teams early. They're going to need to severely limit turnovers and mental errors. It may come down to McDonald's coaching that decides this season.

Key Games

12/8 Eastmont

1/4 @ Moses Lake

1/11 @ Davis

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