By JOHN KEREZY
For The Reporter
Carmel’s Josh Whack has adjusted well to his role as a co-captain and senior leader for the Wabash College basketball team.
“We’re a young team, playing 3-4 freshman consistently, so I try to give them some advice by sharing what’s worked well with me on our team,” says Whack, a Rhetoric major and a 6-3 guard. “Part of being a leader is reminding the (young) guys of the opportunities we have in front of us, and the good position we’ve put ourselves in this season.”
Whack is second on the team in scoring with a 12.0 points-per-game average, about 30 percent better than last season. He’s tied for second on the team with assists and third in steals as well for the 12-6 Little Giants. The team is 6-3, good for second place in the North Coast Athletic Conference.
Wabash is averaging 80 points per game this season.
“We’re playing a faster tempo on offense, and that helps put pressure on opposing defenses,” Whack said. We’re putting out more energy on the floor.”
Kyle Brumett, Whack’s coach, praises his senior.
“Josh has grown as a leader, and I’m really impressed with his support of our freshmen such as Colton Stowers, Deric Cannady, and Luke Ellspermann,” Brumett said. “Those guys look up to Josh, and Josh lets the freshmen know how well they have contributed to our success this season.”
The type of person who leads both on the floor and in the locker room, Whack’s play has been instrumental to Wabash’s success this season. He poured in 20 points against Centre College, his season high, to help the Little Giants defeat host Centre College, 75-62, and win the Lee’s Famous Recipe Classic tournament on Dec. 30.
Whack was 7-of-13 in shooting during the game, converting 7 of 7 free throws and scoring eight of his points in the final 3:34 of the game to help ice a Wabash victory.
Contributor to great team successes
Beginning with his freshman season at Wabash, Whack was part of a Little Giant team which won three consecutive NCAC championships and trips to the NCAA Division III national tournaments. Success on the basketball floor is a characteristic which began while at Carmel High School, playing for the Greyhounds.
“Carmel is filled with good memories, great people, and lots of relationships, especially in basketball. I maintain those relationships to this day, as it’s a part of who I am,” he reminisces. “I was fortunate to play on really successful teams, including state championship my freshman and junior seasons.
“Coach Ryan Osborn instill a terrific culture at Carmel,” Whack added. “He stresses relationship, family and faith. I was involved with culture sessions and leadership meetings as a junior and senior, which helped set identity as a team.”
Whack recalls 6 a.m. practices and junkyard workouts at Carmel. “We did a lot of extra things that the whole team bought into, and that resulted in a lot of selflessness on those championship teams.”
Today, Whack carries those traits of hard work and selflessness onto the floor at Wabash.