To say the Fort Campbell Falcons have a bunch of new faces on the roster for the 2021-2022 basketball season would be a vast understatement. When you look at the Falcon roster this season and then compare it to the roster from 2019-2020, which was the last season the Falcons took to the court, you would find one name that is on both rosters as the season gets underway. The Falcons lost the entire shortened 2021 season due to DoDEA COVID-19 protocols.
Junior Aidan Blaszkowski was a freshman on the 2019-2020 team that ended the year at 9-21. And, if Tuesday night’s season opener was any indication, he will play a big role for the Falcons this season. Back in his freshman season, Blaszkowski played in just 11 games, averaging 2.6 points and .5 rebounds per contest.
In Tuesday night’s opener at Pleasant View Christian, Blaszkowski had 17 points, including five made three-point shots. He also checked in with 8 rebounds. That kind of firepower and effort could be very important for an inexperienced bunch of Falcons this season.
Amari Waddy was not on the team two years ago, but the junior is an athlete that can help significantly by his presence on the court. Waddy scored four big points late in the game Tuesday night and snagged three rebounds.
In addition to Blaszkowski, watch for senior Colby Tate to provide some offensive punch. Tate finished Tuesday night’s game with 22 points to lead the Falcons, and he pulled down seven rebounds. If Tate and Blaszkowski can consistently knock down some outside shots early in the season, the Falcons could make some nice strides early in the season.
Fort Campbell had eight different players break into the scoring column in their opener. That kind of “team” approach will be key for a team that will be looking to get rolling after not playing for a season.
In addition to their 8th District opponents, the Falcons will square off against Heritage Christian, St. Mary, Fulton City, Crittenden County, Fort Knox, Livingston Central, and Mayfield during the course of the regular season.
The Falcons will return to the court Friday night when they host Clarksville Christian.
