During his exit interview last winter, Will Walker told head coach Jared Krupp that he expected to start for Upper Perkiomen's basketball team during the 2016-17 season.  Though Walker had the potential to fulfill his goal, the player needed to spend as much time as possible working on his game, according to Krupp.

        Over the summer, Walker, who had no previous varsity experience, often played in pickup games at the Spring Valley YMCA in Limerick, sharpening his skills against opponents playing at Division II and III college programs. He also attended every open gym at the high school, according to Krupp.

        "Will was always texting me to get into the gym early," the coach said. "He always had a basketball in his hands."

        Twelve games into the current season, Walker has emerged as a key post player for the Indians (3-3 Pioneer Athletic Conference, 8-5 overall.). The 6-foot-7 forward is averaging 9.08 points and 6.5 rebounds. Krupp described the junior as their most improved player.

        "Will's game has improved across the board," the coach said. "He has put the time in, and listened to the coaching staff."

        In a 59-47 victory over Boyertown on Jan. 12, Walker finished with 16 points and seven rebounds. He scored most of his points in the second quarter from the low post, taking advantage of a size advantage.

        According to Walker, a slasher around the basket who is learning to play with his back to the basket, all of his field goals against the Bears came on layups or short jumpers. Upper Perkiomen converted 52 percent of its field goal attempts en route to its fifth victory in seven games. All but three two-point shots were within 10 feet, according to Krupp. He said they were not contested.

        "All the work we put in during the off season is now showing," said Walker, who has posted two double-digit points and rebound games, as well as a 20-point performance in a road win over Pottstown. "We have shown we can be a dominant team."

        According to the coach, a relentless defensive effort allowed the Indians to build a 25-13 half-time lead. They permitted Boyertown to score just four points in the first quarter. Krupp credited the effort of Liam Boyle, who closely face-guarded Jerry Kapp, the Bears' top scorer.

        "Liam did a fantastic job fighting through screens," Krupp said. "He didn't let Kapp touch the ball. He was a defensive nightmare."

        According to the coach, Upper Perkiomen has relied heavily on a cohesive defense to help snap a 72-game losing streak in the Pioneer Athletic Conference.

        "We're so hungry at that end of the floor," Krupp said. "All five guys are working together as a unit. Nolan Graber and Will protect the rim, and everyone has each other's back. That defensive intensity plays into our offense."

        Ryan Kendra posted a game-high 24 points for the Indians. Nolan Graber added 10. According to the coach, Kendra and Walker played the two-man game to success in the first half.

        "This team is so unselfish," Walker said. "We always look to find the mismatch on the floor. No one takes bad shots."