The West Fork boys basketball team will welcome new coaching leadership as practice begins Monday. Former Assistant Coach Abe Maske was promoted to the head coaching role. Maske replaces former head coach Trent Trask, who resigned this summer after leading the program for three seasons from 2021-2024.
Maske has been an assistant coach since 2022, and last year, was part of a Warhawks 20-5 overall record and trip to a Class 1A substate final.
Maske on his new expanded role and the value of relationships.
“I’m excited for the season coming up. I’m excited for what we’re gonna be able to accomplish and to continue the tradition here at West Fork,” says Maske. “One of the biggest things you’ve gotta have with your players is a good relationship. That relationship has been developed over the last couple of years. They’re familiar with me, they’re familiar with how I coach, all the things that I’m capable of doing and my knowledge background. From my side of it as the coach, I know the players. I know what they’re capable of, the work they put in and their strengths. I also know their weaknesses, so I know where we need to spend the time to start this season so that we can head into this season on a strong note and have a successful one.”
The Warhawks, last season, ranked first in points per game (67.8), assists (397) and rebounds (787) in the Top of Iowa East.
Maske on the style of basketball the Warhawks are striving for this season.
“We’re going to play a very high tempo, intense style of basketball. One that’s going to push our own abilities, but in that sense is also going to push our opposing team’s abilities. We’re going to really focus on making every minute of every single game dreadful for the opponent, in a sense. We’re going to hound them defensively and we’re going to push the ball on offense.”
The Warhawks will be led by an incoming senior group including Xavier Haller, Ashyr Wiseman, Cannen Vold, Nolan Shreckengost, Koby Harley and Trevor Despenas.
Maske on the competitive experience of returners.
“For our kids coming back, the greatest asset they had was they got to compete day in and day out for the last several years with that group of seniors last year. They benefited from that work, taking that experience and knowing that they were a part of that development. The work was put in. While they may not have a ton of court experience at the varsity level, they do have the experience of competing against some of the very best.”
The Warhawks will host Garner Hayfield Ventura in their season opener on Thursday, December 5.
