Junior center Jason Riddell took on a reserve role with the Hub sophomore basketball team this past season, serving as the team’s seventh or eighth man and providing depth in the frontcourt. Motivated to have more of a purpose on the floor, Riddell is working to improve all facets of his game as he prepares to lace up for his first varsity season at Rochelle Township High School.

Riddell’s defense and rebounding off the bench helped the Hub sophomores achieve many feats this past season including a 24-5 record, a top-8 finish in the Plano Christmas Classic and an Interstate 8 Championship. After what Riddell felt was an average season from an individual standpoint, Riddell said bettering his offensive skills are a high priority for his junior season.

“I felt I performed alright for my position and my role on the team,” Riddell said. “I would like to expand my offensive game this coming season to become more of an all-around player and have a greater impact on the team. We performed extremely well as a team last year and we had a great season. I’m expecting big things from us this year and a successful season.”

A staple of successful basketball at RTHS has been spacing the floor and finding open shooters, something Riddell and the sophomore Hubs excelled at this past season. Riddell, who has played basketball since fourth grade, said communication will be an area he and his Hub teammates will look to grow as they look to follow a varsity team that finished 20-12 last year.

“I love the competitive nature of the games and the experience I get from going out and competing with other people who have the same passion as I do,” Riddell said. “I’m hoping to improve my game enough to become a sixth man or even a starter on the varsity team. I feel a big key for our team will be our communication.”