Basketball season looking up for Kearns boys and girls

KEARNS — After frustrating seasons last year, things are looking up for both the boys and girls Kearns basketball teams this year. The boys team, led by veteran coach Bob Ostberg (13 seasons as girls head coach, three seasons as boys head coach), has a deep talent pool, while the girls team has a new coach, Emily Williams, with a new philosophy. Despite playing in a tough region, both coaches have high hopes for what their players can accomplish.

BOYS: Having only two guys over 6-feet last year, the Cougars boys team relied mainly on outside shooting. With a much taller team and more offensive threats this season, however, the game plan has changed.

"We are a lot more balanced this year. We have a lot of guys over 6-4 with good shooters at guard. If they want to leave the outside open, we'll take it. If they give us the inside, we'll pound it in," coach Bob Ostberg said.

With an influx of newcomers, the team is still working out the kinks on the court, but the boys got together to develop a code of conduct to make sure they are taking care of things off the court, as well.

"We had seven guys tardy to class the day of the Lehi game," Ostberg said. "According to the code of conduct the guys made up, they want to be better students, so all seven of those players sat out that game."

The physical condition of returning starter Dusty Fackrell will be important to the success of the Cougars this season. Last year, Fackrell suffered from overwhelming ankle pain, and he almost sat out this season because of it.

"He is one of the best athletes in the state, no question," Ostberg said. "He has tremendous hands, great athleticism, and he's been working hard. He's half-speed right now, but Dusty Fackrell half-speed is pretty good."

Joining Fackrell down low this year is 6-foot-5 forward Kenneth Anderson. A 4.0 student, Anderson has improved immensely over the last year to make himself a factor for the team.

"He's the first guy there and he's improved a lot," Ostberg said. "He's become more assertive and a good shooter."

Playing in what is possibly the most competitive region in the state, the Cougars have their work cut out for them, but Ostberg thinks they can reach their goal of making it to the state tournament and winning a game there this year.

"It'll be an uphill climb with this region, but we plan on doing it," Ostberg said. "These are just really good guys and they think they can do it, so I believe them."