2019-20 Team Preview: Eastmont Boys Basketball

Key Players 

SF Isaac Wellborn - Anytime you’re trying to win a league title, you’re going to need at least one all-around superstar. Isaac Wellborn is exactly that. The 6-foot-3 senior is a returning First Team All Leaguer, and he excels in almost every category.

PG Oscar Calvillo - Calvillo is a very trustworthy floor general, and he’ll be counted on to run the show for the third straight season. He rarely makes mistakes, and plays good defense as well. 

SG Trey Haberlock - Haberlock is coming off an excellent junior campaign where he was second on the team in scoring. Now in his senior year, the 6-foot guard is aiming for his best season yet. 

Overview

These last few seasons, the Eastmont Football program has really taken off and turned themselves into a regular state contender.

Those types of expectations appear to be rubbing off on the basketball team, as they appear just as eager to start their own winning tradition.

Eastmont Basketball took a huge step forward last year as they finished 10-11. It was the program’s best record since 2013.

This season there’s a high level of optimism that they can take that next step, and really launch themselves into the upper echelon of the 4A division.

The head coach of the Wildcats, George Juarez, is now going into his second year in charge. He’s been able to develop a very strong nucleus these last couple years, and this season could very well be the ‘payoff season.’

If the Wildcats are going to have a chance at a postseason run this year, they’re going to need another special season out of Isaac Wellborn. He led Eastmont in points last year, and an MVP award could certainly be in the cards this year.

The backcourt combo of PG Oscar Calvillo and SG Trey Haberlock should be as lethal as ever. Having two vets like them can be very crucial to winning the close games.

Expected to rack up rebounds and play stout defense in the low post is 6-foot-5 Cael Flanagan, Kahler Kannon, and a transfer in Christopher Portis. All three players will be making their varsity debuts this year, so it’ll be imperative they adjust quickly.

There’s an array of quality guards and forwards that will be rotating in with Lane Keller, Wesley Mcilwaine, Blake Silliman, and transfer Evan Smith.

Keller specializes in the three-point shot, so he should provide a tremendous boost when his number is called. Mcilwaine is described by the coaching staff as the ultimate team player; His excellent cornerback skills translates very well to playing defense in basketball.

The addition of Evan Smith from Wenatchee is very exciting for Eastmont this year. He’s a rangy 6-foot wing that can create his own opportunities. 6-foot-2 junior Blake Silliman was a feature player on JV last year, and now appears set to carve a role out for himself.

What can really help take the Wildcats to the next level is improving on defense. During the final five games last season, they allowed an average of 76 points per game. That just won’t get it done against the top teams.

We know this team can score a lot of points, but shoring up the defense will dramatically improve their chances.

Projection

The Big Nine is absolutely wide open this year, but there’s a whole lot to like about this year’s Eastmont squad. What stands out the most is the quality of depth they have; This will help keep them in the hunt all year long. One of their biggest challengers this year is going to be their cross-river rival Wenatchee, if you're in the area those are must-see games. If Eastmont plays with fire all season, they have a very good chance to make the state playoffs.

Key Games

Wenatchee 1/10

Davis 2/7

@ Sunnyside 2/11

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