GUNNISON—The name “Hill” has been tied to Gunnison boys’ hoops for a very long time, from Danny Hill to Ben Hill, to the countless “Hills” that have run up and down the Bulldogs’ court.
This year will be the first time in seemingly forever that Gunnison doesn’t have a “Hill” in the gym.
Head Coach Ben Hill retired from coaching after six seasons with the Bulldogs, and new Head Coach Tyson Moosman has stepped into the role. Moosman is also the track and field coach and an assistant football coach in addition to teaching physical education at the school.
“I’m looking to get a lot more physical team this year,” Moosman said. “We’re in the weight room. We’re learning how to play a completely different style of basketball that’s been played here in the past.”
Moosman has a fairly clean slate to work with. The Bulldogs graduated five of the six players who averaged more than a point per game. Junior Jon Willden, who averaged 8.36 points per game, returns as a starter alongside senior Jack Hansen, senior Aiden O’Neal and senior Miles Bartholomew, a cousin of All-State guard Parx Bartholomew. Moosman said the fifth starting spot is a yet-to-be-decided spot in the frontcourt.
The Bulldogs finished last season with a 12-10 overall record and a quarterfinal loss to Beaver, ending Hill’s tenure at Gunnison with a coaching record of 57-67.
Gunnison’s schedule this year doesn’t leave a whole lot of practice time as the Bulldogs, absent of any early tournament invitations, have only 17 games on their schedule. The Bulldogs’ season begins as they travel to take on Wayne this Tuesday. They’ll play their first home game on Wednesday when they host Green River.
