After disappointing 2023, Falcons looking to improve

MOUNT BLANCHARD – Riverdale had a rocky 2023. The Falcons finished just 2-20, and only managed one BVC win. They'll be looking to make major improvements this season, and that all starts with junior Evan Reiter. Reiter, a six-foot BVC honorable mention last season, led the Falcons in scoring with 10.8 points per game. Reiter also averaged 7 rebounds, 2 steals, and nearly a block per game while shooting nearly 49% from the field. "I think Evan's grown maybe an inch or so, and he's put on some weight as well," Falcons coach Drew Hobensack said. "We're looking to him to do a lot. He's a really good athlete. He's all-state two years in a row in baseball, pitcher and shortstop. Using that, with the added muscle and about an inch he's grown, we're gonna ask him to do a lot. Play some five maybe, some four. Ask him to bring the ball up the floor even. His role is a lot bigger than most on our team." But Reiter won't be alone as a leader for the Falcons. Fellow returning juniors Jacob Dusseau and Ethan Elwood are both top-tier shooters. Both were top-twenty 3-point snipers for the Falcons last year, with Dusseau shooting over 37% and Elwood connecting on 32% of his outside shots. "They've both been in the gym working," Hobensack said. "Working on their shot, perfecting that throughout the spring, summer, and fall." Other key players for the Falcons next year include Hayden Hagerty, another quality shooter, and Landon Holland, a six-foot senior big man. Sophomore Grant Inbody, who started a few games last season and ended in the top twenty in BVC rebounding, will also be a vital part of this Falcons team. "Grant Inbody played and started some as a freshman last year," Hobensack said. "I think he's grown tremendously in his basketball ability. He played AAU in the spring, and that has helped his confidence." Another top prospect for the Falcons is Michael Augsburger. Augsburger is 6'5", and has moved up from junior varsity. Augsburger also starts at left tackle on Riverdale's football team. Last season, Riverdale was last in the BVC in assists, averaging just six per game. Coach Hobensack said that has been and will continue to be a major focus for the Falcons. "We have really put a lot of work into not so much forcing shots in the paint," Hobensack said. "I think last year that was our youth that was showing. Where we would drive and think because we got the ball on the block or because we drove into the paint we had to score. We have really, really put an emphasis on if we drive into the paint and it's not there, we're kicking out to shooters now. We've got shooters that can knock down shots."