GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The Northview Wildcats won 18 games last season but they have a new face in charge of the program as David Chana replaces Mike Kapustka.
"I think that Mike Kaputska did a great job setting a foundation for Northview basketball," Chana said. "Now, it's my chance to put a stamp on it. I think we're in a really good spot, I'm lucky to work for great guys, we have a ton of support, our community is special."
Of course, there is some pressure when it comes to taking over a successful program like Northview, who won a district championship last season.
"A little bit of pressure," Chana laughed when asked how he feels, "I'm lucky to have a relationship with a lot of kids there already. I think coaching is more than wins and losses, we talk often about relationships, championships, scholarships, the first part is relationships, we build that, the rest will come."
The Wildcats have a lot of talent returning from last season's team as well. Including three senior leaders and sophomore superstar, Kyler Vanderjagt, who is already receiving attention from Division 1 basketball programs.
"It's been a great time working with these kids. We've got a special group, with Kyler Vanderjagt, Avarie Simpson, Kaden Boucher, Aidan Walker. We have a group of kids that are dedicated and put a bunch of time in."
The OK White will be loaded once again this season as well with Forest Hills Northern coming off of another conference championship. Meanwhile, Forest Hills Central will have senior leadership but don't count out Northview.
"You have to show up to play every day," Chana said, "top to bottom, there are really good teams and programs, even the coaches are tough, they put a lot of time in, you have to be on your toes and ready to go. People are guessing who's going to win the OK White, we're doing our best to try to have a say on that."
Chana spent three seasons as the head coach at Kenowa Hills before the one year stint with Mona Shores last season. Now, Chana's Wildcats will face Kenowa Hills in their season opener.
"It'll be an interesting one," he said on facing his former program, "I still have a lot of relationships with the senior class there. There's a lot of good kids, good families but our job is to win, we've been prepping for months and we're ready."
