By Danny Waldo
The 2015-16 high school basketball season was one of extreme success for both the boys and girls programs at Bozeman High School. The girls took home their first title since 2010 after earning a runner-up finish in 2015, while the boys came up just short, settling for second place after falling to two-time defending state champion, Billings Skyview, at Montana State’s Brick Breeden Fieldhouse last March. But with the 2016-17 season set to get underway, both the boys and girls have some serious holes to fill if they are to compete for a state title yet again.
Amber Tarabochia is ready to lead the Hawks back to the state tournament. Photo courtesy of Dawn Tarabochia
Bozeman Girls Coach Erika Gustavsen appears to have her work cut out for her after seeing major influx in her roster from a season ago. Most notably missing from Bozeman’s lineup this season is the imposing duo of Emerald Toth and Caitlyn Lonergan. Last year, the Hawks were able to dominate opponents on the boards behind the two 6’1” posts, but both Toth and Lonergan have moved on to the collegiate level, leaving little depth on the interior from a season ago. Versatile 5’10” senior Amber Tarabochia appears to be the immediate answer to the Hawks’ lack of a post presence as she saw time inside last year during Bozeman’s title run. Tarabochia is arguably the Hawks most physical player, and she routinely was tasked with guarding the opponent’s top scorer a year ago. She’ll have to add offensive responsibilities to her duties to make up for the loss of point production from Toth and Lonergan. Tarabochia could possibly see time at multiple positions this season, but she will be joined on the inside by fellow senior Elaine Chandler, a swing player last season who will be counted on to stay out of foul trouble, providing Bozeman there lone true post option with varsity experience. The real issue for the Hawks could be in the backcourt where Gustavsen loses three players off last season’s roster due to defection and disciplinary reasons. Bozeman does return Riana Rodgers and Tyler Olson, both spot starters on last year’s squad, as well as junior Alex Carey, but none are true point guards, leaving Gustavsen to turn to a group of unproven underclassmen and a transfer to take the reins. There could be plenty of growing pains early as girls settle into new roles, and the schedule does Bozeman no favors as they open the season versus annual contender Missoula Sentinel at home on December 3rd before hitting the road to battle 2015 state champion Helena Capital on December 6th. Bozeman Boys Things don’t appear quite as bleak on the boys’ side for long-time coach Wes Holmquist. The Hawks did lose a trio of starters from last season’s runner-up squad, but a number of key contributors return, most notably among them is ultra-athletic guard Lance McCutcheon. McCutcheon struggled with his shooting last season, but a summer of AAU ball should pay dividends for the 6’3” McCutcheon who was a matchup nightmare on the football field this fall, and he could be equally imposing on the hardwood this winter. And should McCutcheon’s shot abandon him on any given night, the cupboard is not bare by any means, as a host of other scoring options loom on the roster. Senior Drew Huse returns for his third go-around under Holmquist, and Callahan O’Reilly offers a third scoring option on the perimeter. Huse struggled with consistency a year ago, but his silky smooth jump shot has the ability to stretch defenses well-beyond the three point line. O’Reilly is Mr. Do-Everything. He’ll more than likely lead the team in floor burns, charges, steals, you name it, and he’ll do it. O’Reilly is the ultimate competitor, and he’s willing to do whatever it takes to help the Hawks get back to the state title game. Plus, he’ll have added motivation after playing one of his poorest games of the season at quarterback in the Hawks’ opening-round loss in this year’s state football playoffs. The interior of Bozeman’s attack is where there are the biggest question marks. Bozeman graduated seniors Trace Bradshaw and Aaron Weidenaar, and now turn to a pair of untested juniors to man the middle. Bradshaw was a one-man wrecking crew, slamming his way to rebounds and inside buckets on muscle alone, while Weidenaar was a shot-blocking expert. Juniors Mack Anderson and Jack Carr both stand over 6’5”, but neither brings the imposing physicality of Bradshaw or the pure shot-blocking ability of Weidenaar. They will have to do it by committee and avoid getting into foul trouble. Like the girls, the Hawk boys will be tested early with a long road trip to Missoula Sentinel on Saturday, December 3rd, before returning home to host their home-opener on December 6th versus Helena Capital. Danny Waldo is a local freelance writer covering Bozeman Hawk and Montana State Bobcat athletics. •
