Woodland Boys Basketball: Palmer Dinehart, teammates ready to push the pace

This fall, Woodland coach Andrew Johnson suggested to Palmer Dinehart that the 6-foot-7 senior run a few miles a week to get his cardio up.

So Dinehart joined the cross country team. He finished every workout and competed in every meet.

Dinehart entered this season 25 pounds lighter and in the best shape of his life. It showed in Woodland’s opener, when he scored 27 points against La Center.

One of two seniors on the team, Dinehart helps Woodland fill the shoes of graduated Bryce Mulder, last season’s 2A GSHL co-MVP.

Alex Bishop, Tyler Flanagan and Wyatt Harsh bring athleticism that lets the Beavers push the tempo on offense and defense. Sophomores Isaiah Flanagan and Trey Hanson also should see significant action.

“We are young but talented,” Johnson said. “I know at times we’ll make bad decisions that young teams make, but that is the only way you learn and grow as a player and as a team.”