By ROEN ELBERT
Rocks Media House
The Westfield Shamrocks boys basketball season is underway. After a strong campaign last year that ended in heartbreaking fashion, they are looking to bounce back. Here are three things you need to know before the Nov. 28 home opener.
Building on last year
The Rocks look to build on last year’s impressive 16-8 campaign. The season came to an abrupt end as they lost a nail-biter in the sectional championship against Noblesville. Westfield will look to get revenge this season against its Hoosier Crossroads Conference rival.
International talent looks to add a spark
After senior Alex Romack graduated this spring, a gaping hole was left at the center position, but it was filled in by transfer Nic Book. The 6-foot-8 senior comes from New Zealand, and spent last year playing for the prestigious Oak Hill Academy in Virginia – former school of All-NBA talents like Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Durant and many others. Last summer, Book represented New Zealand in the Under 17 World Cup where he led his home country to a 12th-place finish, leading the team in scoring and rebounding. The Kiwi not only adds star power to the Shamrocks, but also some much-needed height.
Editor’s note: You can see Westfield High School student Cameron Noe interview international transfer student Nik Book on the Reporter’s Facebook page at tinyurl.com/NicBookInterview.
A new look for the Shamrocks
The players on the court won’t be the only new attraction at CSI Gymnasium this winter. After the end of last season, Westfield redesigned its home court. The project was completed over the summer, and the Rocks will play their first game on their new-look court Nov. 28 against Pendleton Heights. Not only that, but the team will also be debuting brand-new home uniforms. The new redesign and new jerseys will be something to keep an eye on when you cheer on the home team this winter.
Charles Farrell is a key returner for the Shamrocks. (Alan Scheller & Roen Elbert)
The excitement in the City of Westfield is at an all-time high for the Shamrocks’ season to begin. It will be a fun season, and the fans will have plenty of opportunities to catch a game. If you can’t make it to a game, you can still follow the action with live broadcasts on the WHS Sports Live YouTube channel.
Photos by Alan Scheller & Roen Elbert