Published: December 01, 2008 10:32 pm            

Reno stepping up

When the 2008-09 basketball season began last week, Northwest Whitfield coach Ryan Richards was looking for a number of new leaders to step up and help fill the void left by the graduation of Blake Gash — the 2007-08 Daily Citizen Player of the Year — and his 18 points per game.

And Richards is finding out quickly that his players are more than willing to produce at a high level on a consistent basis. The Bruins went 2-1 in the Southeast Hoopsfest tournament, which ran through Nov. 25-29 and several players took initiative to lead on the floor, including Tanner Reno, Bryce Martin, Romeo Williams, Caleb Tatum and Nermin Delic among others.

But it was the senior Reno who stepped up big in the scoring department. In three games for the Bruins, Reno averaged 16 to lead the team.

In his first two games, his point totals of 18 and 24 drew the attention of eventual tournament champions Blessed Trinity, which gave Reno special treatment by double-teaming him and limiting him to six points in the Bruins’ 53-44 loss in the tournament finale on Saturday.

The Bruins have played an unselfish, well-balanced brand of basketball with different players contributing in different ways in terms of ball-distribution, defense and rebounding. But through three games, the team has gone as Reno’s scoring production has gone, which is a new circumstance for him.

Last season, Reno was not a part of the starting lineup and saw limited action.

Taking on the increased role hasn’t phased him to this point.

“I’m getting used to it,” he said of his scoring role. “In the summer, I wasn’t sure what my role would be so I just kept working and I guess I got (a bigger role). But I’m comfortable now.”

While it’s a new role for Reno, Richards knew he was ready for it during spring, when Reno took part in two-on-one skill-building drills. His work there carried into the rest of the offseason and the initiative he took caught Richards’ eye.

“In summer workouts he stepped up,” Richards said. “He wanted to shoot the basket and take on that pressure role. He came down (to the Hoopsfest tournament last week) and has come through for us as a great player and a great shooter.”

Not only has Reno excelled in the scorer’s role, but he’s also a team leader. His overall attitude towards the team and how they play — win or lose — is evident when he talks about Bruins basketball.

Following the disappointing loss to Blessed Trinity, Reno found the positives in his team’s play.

“Our main goal was to win, obviously,” Reno said. “But we fought hard and did a good job. I’ve got a good group of guys that are helping me out. But the main goal besides winning is to have fun and we did that.”

Reno credits his early success to the play of his teammates, saying their execution of set screens and good ball movement to get the ball in his hands is what has attributed to his early success.

So far, so good as far as Richards is concerned.

“We’re real pleased with where he’s at right now.”

        

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