Riverton men’s basketball team has two competitive leaders

The combination of seniors D McCleary and Austin Anderson are a one-two punch for the Silverwolves men’s basketball team. As team captains, they lead with different sets of skills.

“It has been a roller coaster of a season with some great wins and a couple of disappointing losses, but we must come ready to play each night in this region to reach our goal,” Anderson said. A goal which both players said is to get into the state tournament.

The biggest win of the season came against West Jordan on Dec. 22, 62-58. Since then, the team has struggled in region play, starting out 0-3.

Anderson’s leadership on and off the court can be seen in the way he interacts with his teammates. A 6’ 1” small forward, he is averaging 5.5 points per game. His outside jump shot helped lift the Silverwolves to a big lead against Judge earlier this season on Nov. 29. Riverton won 68-50. His 12 points in that game is a career high.

“Austin is such a good leader, he is our captain,” McCleary who does not consider himself the team leader.

After each game Anderson is always the first to try to rally his team to get ready for the next game.

“Our team defense has gotten better; we work together well to hold down the opponent. Every team in this region is tough; we cannot take it easy and expect to win,” Anderson said.

McCleary is averaging 15.3 points per game. In the game versus Brighton Dec. 9, Riverton won 82-78. McCleary had 25 points and hit 10 of 11 free throws in the fourth quarter to preserve the win. His career 409 points puts him in the top 10 scorers at Riverton High School.

“D is very good at going to the basket and hitting that pull up jump shot,” Anderson said.

Both players have aspirations to play basketball after high school, but right now they want to focus on this season.

Both Anderson and McCleary said basketball is their favorite sport, but differ vastly on who their favorite NBA team is. Anderson is a Jazz fan and McCleary likes the Hawks. Even with this difference, they still want to work together.

On Jan. 24 the team lost to Lehi 69-44, but beat Pleasant Grove 69-57 Jan. 27.