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 Travis Hoeg talking about North boys hoops.
Before looking ahead, what are the best memories from last season?
"Two memories from last year that really stand out are: Jeremiah Sem beating his older brother’s (Simon) single game scoring record and being able to advance to the State Tournament and play some very competitive basketball with our seniors last year."
Your team was division champs at Concordia's camp last June. What did that experience provide? Did you participate in any other camps?
"I think getting our guys to play in some summer tournaments is a great way to build team chemistry, play with a little more freedom versus during the season and practice some of our team schematics. We played in a number of Break Down tournaments around the region and were competitive in all of them."
Did any players surprise you with what they showed during the workouts?
"Bode Hoeg and Eric Deboer have put a lot of outside work into their games and I think people around the EDC will notice that this season."
Have you already had players in the gym working on their game this Fall?
"We’ve been running open gyms this fall and it’s been great to see the guys working hard and competing against each other."
How might the success this Fall that several members of your team were a part of translate to the court?
"A majority of the guys projected to play varsity this season were a part of the State runner up North football team this fall. I’m hoping the success and hard work they experienced in football will translate into the same successes during their hard court season."
Who are some of the players you anticipate will help compliment Jeremiah Sem & Carter Zeller this season? What do they bring to the roster?
"Bode Hoeg is projected to start at the point guard position and he’ll need to have a big season for us distributing the ball and making great decisions." "Matthew Sem is another dynamic perimeter player who I expect to have a break out year. He had a phenomenal summer playing up a grade level for the top 16U ECI team." "Welcome Muhoza is expected to give us quality minutes and provide some scoring, strength, and rebounding for us." "We’ll have a really deep bench this year so it will be fun to play with lineups and figure things out as the season progresses."
Your team has made it to State twice now so the bar is high. What will make the upcoming season a successful one?
"Ultimately we want to make a third straight appearance to the state tournament. With that said, we always take it one game at a time and focus on the little things in practice that will get us there. I want our guys to have fun, trust the process, and always compete at a high level. If we can do that I’ll consider it a successful season."
There's been a lot of talk about the proposed three-class division. Do you have a comment about that?
"Personally, I think it is a great idea and I hope when the votes are counted we’ll have a three class system in North Dakota."