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 Mike Hendrickson talking about South boys hoops.
Before looking ahead, what are the best memories from last season?
"Had a nice year – for our young team just the opportunity to play at the SHAC in the EDC tournament was big."
Did your team participate in any camps this past Summer? If so, how did your team benefit from that? Did any players surprise you with what they showed during the workouts?
"Numerous team camps over the summer – just finding different and new roles for our team was beneficial – No real surprises, I think some younger players found out what varsity basketball is really like."
Have you already had players in the gym working on their game this Fall?
"Most of our guys played a fall sport (which is great) so they had a focus into athletics, the ones who didn’t participate in a fall sport were in the weight room."
James Hamilton broke-out last season and will get even more attention during the upcoming one. How did he improve and how might he continue to do so this season?
"Just hope he understands what his game can be. He has good skills, size, and strength – he will need to use those attributes to improve his game each year."
Dean Grant, Marcus Lofton, Omar Aly Ahmed & Caleb Enger have been identified as players to watch in the region. Who are some of the other players you anticipate will help fill-in for Diamond McGill & the other departures? What do they bring to the roster?
"Cole Kegbah – size and strength (starter for us last year) Will Lacher – leadership (starter last year) Evan Booth – shooter (6th man last year) Reis Kessel – 6’6” inside/outside guy."
Is there a certain aspect of the game that you think will be the strength of your team?
"Overall size will be pretty good, I think maturity as we return 8 guys that had quality minutes in each game for us."
To boil it down, what would make the upcoming season a successful one?
"Teamwork – we feel that we have size and ability to make us a solid team, being coachable and using those ideas to benefit will lead us to success."
There's been a lot of talk about the proposed three-class division. Do you have a comment about that?
"Going to be real interesting – I think scheduling for the biggest class is going to be a nightmare! I feel for the Class B schools it is something that is needed, for the A schools it doesn’t change much."