Anderson boys - (Updated 3/9) Coach Joe Nadaline has informed his team of his intentions to resign after four years (40-51) with the Indians. Seems everyone familiar with Anderson is pointing toward a strong core of returning players. 6-5 Sr-2-b forward Kobe Clay is arguably the best. He is a proven varsity multi-year player. Fellow Sr-2-b forward Dionte Raines is also expected to be back along with a handful of other varsity contributors. Aside from Clay, perhaps the most excitement revolves around 6-3 soph-2-b guard Jamal Harris. Harris had a solid frosh year, and Varsity Clubbers report he is ready to make some serious waves in the North Central Conference. The NCC is also another plus for a prospective coach. Certainly a lot of history and prestige, but the real positive right now is that it simply is a lot more winnable than it used to be. That being said, it's not all roses for the Indians. While Anderson's absorption of consolidations have helped, AHS has really yet to recover from losing the Wigwam as its home court. While that might have been a straight jab, the real damage has come from repeated body blows involving the exodus of many, many athletes and families. Pendleton Heights has arguably benefitted the most, but Lapel and various private schools have also seen players suit-up that would have normally fed into the red and green. The potential is still there to put together a state caliber team, albeit without the Wigwam, but those years will be much more spread out than they used to be. Another Varsity Club member points directly to the Anderson school system itself as the real culprit for the Indians' demise. "Tons of problems. Problems of every shape and size. From finances, to discipline, to apathy, to poor leadership, you name it." One Varsity Clubber suggests that it may be a challenge to find a coach willing to move his family into Anderson. It can be safe to say that Anderson Schools are most definitely at risk, and family flight will likely continue to be an issue. However, from a purely basketball standpoint, this job can still be considered a good one. Not a premier state job as it once was, but a good one none-the-less. Even though Anderson won just 6 games this last season, one Varsity Club member is quick to point out that they were in many, many games and were competitive in a winnable County Tourney and Sectional. The Indians should have nearly all contributors back except for one.
