Winter came on like a fast break and means we're that much closer to everything that the hardwood will include! Every season has it's own flavor but with new additions to the local scene & significant turnover from last year to this one the 2022/2023 season will be a ride all it's own.
In preparation for the first games this edition comes courtesy of coach Matt Ellingson talking about Moorhead boys hoops.
Before looking ahead, your team made state last season. How was that experience?
"Participating in the state tournament last season was a tremendous experience for our student-athletes. They were rewarded for sticking together and playing their best basketball when it counted most!"
How did your team benefit from Summer camps/workouts?
"Our student-athletes have put in a ton of time during the offseason working on their basketball game. Their dedication to skill sessions, weight room workouts, and individual workouts throughout the summer and fall has been encouraging to see. We look forward to finding out more about our team when we hit the court next week for tryouts."
Adam Jenkins is well known and DJ Smith has been identified as another player to watch in the region, how have you seen them improve? How might they continue to progress?
"We will be counting on Adam to be a senior leader for us this upcoming season. Adam has put a ton of time into his basketball game and we are excited to watch him compete wearing a spuds jersey for 1 more season! DJ will be a junior this season and is another kid who has put a lot of time and effort into his basketball game. DJ's ability to guard multiple positions and stretch the floor on the offensive end are a few of his strengths."
Who are some of the other players you anticipate will help fill-in for the ones that departed? What do they bring to the roster?
"Dylan Zimmerman will be a junior for us this season and was one of our leading scorers last year as a sophomore. Dylan has the ability to get hot from behind the 3-point line and change the direction of a game in a hurry. Also, we expect Colton Hagen to have a nice senior season as he will be asked to handle the ball and get us into our offense while also being able to stretch the floor from the 3-point line."
To boil it down, what would make the upcoming season a successful one?
"We would consider this season a successful one if we continue to get better as the season goes along and we are playing our best basketball come tournament time in March."