Driver leads the way as Watersprings looks to secure a conference crown

IDAHO FALLS — The Watersprings Warriors will face one of their greatest tests of the season Tuesday, when they host the No. 1 ranked Rockland Bulldogs in a battle of 1A beasts.

There will be several key players who will determine the outcome, but no a other player will be as big — both literally and figuratively — as Watersprings center Titus Driver.

At 6-foot-10, Driver has to potential to be the single most dominant force in 1A basketball, and for the most part this season, he has been, according to head coach Evan Bindenagel.

“When Titus is there, and he’s going, Titus is the driving force of the team,” the coach said after a recent victory over Grace Lutheran. “He carries us on his back. Dude’s a stud.”

Driver and the Warriors (12-1, 6-0) went 3-0, sweeping Rocky Mountain Conference foes Grace Lutheran, Sho-Ban and Leadore last week. Driver was unstoppable in their win over the Royals, leading all players with 20 points, 18 rebounds and three blocks.

Driver’s ability to control the game goes beyond his height — though that part of it is clearly visible.

Despite that height, Driver has great footwork inside, maneuvering through contact to get position for rebounds while avoiding fouls. And his soft hands allow him to finish through contact, even if he doesn’t always get the call. But even when he doesn’t get those calls, his demeanor never changes.

“I love the kid. He’s my biggest jokester,” Bindenagel. “It’s hard to be big — kids are jumping on you and when you’re big so it’s hard to get foul call, but he keeps going up strong.”

He added: “We ask him to do a lot, and he moves pretty dang well for a 6-10 kid.”

With just two weeks left in the regular season, Watersprings is hunting for a regular season conference title, and the playoff positioning that comes with it. And those aspirations will be tested by a diminutive Aidan Raddford — especially by comparison — and his Rockland squad (12-1, 5-0).