Henderson begins first season leading Whitefish boys basketball

A new era begins for the Whitefish boys basketball program this winter as Landon Henderson steps into his first season as head coach, bringing a measured approach, a deep roster and optimism about the Bulldogs’ ability to compete in a challenging Northwest A conference.
“I am trying to go into this first season as the head coach without too many expectations, though I do believe we are going to be a disciplined team who can compete with anybody in the conference if we play our best team basketball,” Henderson said.
Whitefish enters the season with strong numbers and a roster built around a mix of experience and youth.
“We had a good turnout this season and our final roster is set at 28, we have two seniors - Aiden Rickels and Creed Scott - and nine juniors,” Henderson said. “For underclassmen, we have six sophomores and 11 freshman.”
Offensively, the Bulldogs will lean on a pair of proven scorers who already have varsity experience, along with a senior leader.
“I am looking for both Cooper Dudley and Will Sisson, juniors who started varsity as sophomores, to be our main offensive standouts,” Henderson said. “They both led the team in points per game last season and were top 10 in the Northwest for three-point percentage [top five if we only count players who attempted 50 or more shots]. I expect them to both have a great season.”
Those two will share leadership duties with Rickels.
“Those two and Aiden Rickels are our captains for this season, and the three of them have done a great job exhibiting great leadership thus far,” Henderson said.
The Northwest A figures to be competitive from top to bottom, something Henderson is preparing his team for early.
“The entire Northwestern A this year looks to be up,” he said. “We always look forward to, and expect to have tight competitions with Columbia Falls and Bigfork. However, I don't foresee anybody having an easy season and expect a lot of tight games across the conference.”
As the Bulldogs open the schedule, Henderson said the opportunity to lead the program is something he does not take lightly.
“I am super excited and fortunate for the opportunity to lead this team and am looking forward to a great first season with a great group of young men,” he said.

    Junior Cooper Dudley shooting at the Frenchtown tournament. (Seth Anderson/Hungry Horse News)
  

    Junior Jayke Thew at the Frenchtown tournament. (Seth Anderson/Hungry Horse News)
  

    Bulldog Leo Bungener and two Corvallis Blue Devils at the Frenchtown tournament. (Seth Anderson/Hungry Horse News)