When Will Putman took over the boys basketball program at Monterey High School a couple of years ago, he had a business plan of sorts on just how he would bring the Wildcats’ program back to prominence.
He started with working on the team’s culture and how they saw themselves as a group. Putman worked on the support of the community and a lot on the skill development of players.
There’s been a lot of work done in the purple and white program and Putman thinks the third year of the rebuild [2025-’26] could be the season everything comes together for the Wildcats.
“During my first season, we were a very young, inexperienced team,” Putman said. “It was very limited success. I think we only won a few games. Last year, we saw a dramatic increase in our performance and we were much more competitive and our scores reflected that.
“So, there was a huge step forward there. We ended up almost tripling our win total from the previous season. I knew when I accepted the job that it was going to be a process to rebuild the program.”
Putman said he realizes the process will take time and progress has been seen. He said, however, it is time to take more than baby steps. He wants to start running down the street to the district title.
“I think our athleticism is increasing with every year,” Putnam said. “I think we’re getting quality players from the middle school. I think our shooting has improved, and I think our kids are eager to get better.”
Putman said he’s also been very happy to see his players welcome the opportunity to open up the offense and shoot 3-pointers. He said some players may have been told in the past they’re not 3-point shooters, and he wants every player to know they can fire them up if they want to.
He has also been very excited about the opportunity to coach a group of kids that want to do well and want to compete.
“I don’t want to say that I had to come in and start over fresh because I think there was plenty there to work with. I had to come in, and I had to inject a little bit of my personality into the program,” Putman said. “There are some people that are gonna really gel with what you’re trying to do. And then there’s going to be some who don’t. They either stay along for the ride or they just decide it’s not for them.”
Monterey officially begins its season Nov. 18 at DeKalb County.
“Last year, we kind of did the point guard position by committee. That’s been a problem and something we’ve dealt with since I’ve been here,” said Putman.
“I haven’t been able to really find that one true solid point guard that can get us into our offense, that really controls the tempo of the game. I feel like this year that’s been something that I’ve challenged some of my younger players with in the offseason. I just need somebody to come take it.”
Putman said the summer went well for the Wildcats. They had some good days and some bad days.
“I was happy with our summer. I’ve been happy with our open gyms and our conditioning, too,” said Putman. “I have been happy with the eagerness of the boys and their desire to get better.
“I’d love to have more time to prepare, but we have two weeks before the season opener. That’s not enough time to be completely ready. However, we’re all in the same boat.
“I think we’re going to be a good defensive team, and I think our offense is going to take a step forward. But, it is all about our will to win and our drive to compete.”