Warriors trying to turn team unity into team success
By Chris Peterson
Taylorsville/Kearns Journal
Despite the Warriors suffering through a 2-19 record last season, Taylorsville boys basketball head coach
Ron Burnside is upbeat about the upcoming year.
That optimistic view is due to the amount of playing time his team has compiled. The Warriors have played
over 70 games together during the offseason.
“They’ve been working hard, they’re getting along and they’re a close-knit group,” Burnside said. “Not all
teams get to play that many games together, for whatever reason, I think that will really help us.”
Team camaraderie, Burnside says, is imperative to a team’s success.
“It’s really important, because the game of basketball is by nature a team game,” he said. “It’s important
that everyone is on the same page.”
The Warriors will be led by 6-foot-4 senior small forward/shooting guard Jordan Edgington, who is entering
his third year as a starter.
“We will lean heavily on him, especially in late-game situations, because of his experience,” Burnside said.
Another key starter for Taylorsville will be senior 6-foot-6 center Mike Staker, who is the state 5A high jump
titleholder.
“It’s nice to have a center that can also get up,” Burnside said.
Burnside acknowledges that part of his job as a coach is to always keep a positive attitude.
“My expectations are very high for this team,” he said, “but I think that all coaches have high expectations for
their teams.”
But, despite struggling last year, a mark that included a 0-10 record in Region 2 play, Burnside truly feels
that his team has made progress in the off season and is poised to take a big step toward success.
“I think this is such a good group because they want to win,” he said.
And Burnside keeps going back to the closeness of his team, even off the court, translating to success on
the court.
“They want to help one another be good,” he said. “They all have the attitude of ‘We’re all good friends so let’
s go out and try to win for each other.’”
By Chris Peterson
Taylorsville/Kearns Journal
Despite the Warriors suffering through a 2-19 record last season, Taylorsville boys basketball head coach
Ron Burnside is upbeat about the upcoming year.
That optimistic view is due to the amount of playing time his team has compiled. The Warriors have played
over 70 games together during the offseason.
“They’ve been working hard, they’re getting along and they’re a close-knit group,” Burnside said. “Not all
teams get to play that many games together, for whatever reason, I think that will really help us.”
Team camaraderie, Burnside says, is imperative to a team’s success.
“It’s really important, because the game of basketball is by nature a team game,” he said. “It’s important
that everyone is on the same page.”
The Warriors will be led by 6-foot-4 senior small forward/shooting guard Jordan Edgington, who is entering
his third year as a starter.
“We will lean heavily on him, especially in late-game situations, because of his experience,” Burnside said.
Another key starter for Taylorsville will be senior 6-foot-6 center Mike Staker, who is the state 5A high jump
titleholder.
“It’s nice to have a center that can also get up,” Burnside said.
Burnside acknowledges that part of his job as a coach is to always keep a positive attitude.
“My expectations are very high for this team,” he said, “but I think that all coaches have high expectations for
their teams.”
But, despite struggling last year, a mark that included a 0-10 record in Region 2 play, Burnside truly feels
that his team has made progress in the off season and is poised to take a big step toward success.
“I think this is such a good group because they want to win,” he said.
And Burnside keeps going back to the closeness of his team, even off the court, translating to success on
the court.
“They want to help one another be good,” he said. “They all have the attitude of ‘We’re all good friends so let’
s go out and try to win for each other.’”
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