Ferguson doing the dirty work for Warriors

<p>Chase Ferguson doesn’t necessarily stand out for the Whiteland boys basketball team, but he makes many contributions that may often go unnoticed by casual observers.</p><p>The blue-collar junior isn’t the Warriors’ go-to for scoring; the 6-foot-2 forward is fourth on the team with a modest 6.1 average. He is, however, the ultimate “glue” guy because of his leadership, work ethic and willingness to sacrifice for the good of the team.</p><p>Ferguson plays in the shadows of senior starters Brennan Neal, Carter Crowe and Luke Helton, a trio accounting for 62 percent of Whiteland’s points and 44 percent of its rebounds. Ferguson is among the team’s top three in rebounds and assists.</p>[sc:text-divider text-divider-title="Story continues below gallery" ]<p>“I’m more of a power forward, but sometimes I’ll play center if we go with a smaller lineup. I really don’t have a preference,” Ferguson said. “My role is to get a lot of deflections, set screens and just do some of the little things.</p><p>“I try to lead by example by playing hard.”</p><p>Ferguson missed recent games against Indian Creek and Bloomington North due to a torn labrum in his hip. He hopes to be available to play Friday night when the Warriors host Decatur Central.</p><p>Ferguson’s work ethic isn’t reserved just for the basketball court. He carries a grade-point average of 4.02.</p><p>A chart inside Whiteland’s locker room awards points for hustle plays such as deflections, steals, blocked shots and charges taken. The 6-3 Neal, a starter since midway through the 2015-16 season, won team honors at the conclusion of last season by four points over Ferguson, who hasn’t forgotten.</p><p>“I think our other players feed off Chase’s energy. His hustle in a positive way creates chaos on the court,” Whiteland coach Matt Wadsworth said. “You talk about things like keeping rebounds alive and taking charges, and he seems to embrace those little things more than most players.”</p><p>Ferguson knows he’ll have to take on more of a scoring role with the Warriors next season. There are currently four seniors on the Whiteland roster — the three aforementioned starters and backup guard Isaiah Davis.</p><p>Wadsworth expects the experience Ferguson is getting now will make him a better offensive player next season, particularly driving to the basket and with improved post moves. The coach also wants Ferguson to be more vocal as a leader.</p><p>“There are a lot of things I need to work on to be a better shooter and more versatile player,” Ferguson said. “Right now, I’m just trying to play my role to the best of my ability.”</p>