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 Tim Brandt talking about Sheyenne boys hoops.
What are you most excited about as you begin your first season as the head coach?
"To be honest with you, I have the same feeling of excitement coming in as my first year as head coach as I have had the last 9 years of being the JV coach here at Sheyenne. This is just an extremely fun and exciting time of year. I think the thing that makes this year different, other than it being my first year as head coach, is the unknown. We graduated so many guys last year. It's about as open as its ever been here at Sheyenne. That is going to make practice very competitive. I'm interested to see who steps up this year."
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?
"We went to a few different team camps this past summer. It benefited our guys from a standpoint of playing against varsity players. I think we'll have a handful of guys this year who are making the jump from Sophomore basketball to varsity basketball. Seeing the difference in speed and strength is important."
Have you already had players in the gym working on their game this Fall?
"We've been doing open gym twice a week this fall. Our numbers have been really good. We have a lot of kids who play football so they weren't able to be there during the season. Since football ended and those kids have been able to attend, the competitiveness and overall quality of play has gone up."
Who are some of the other players you anticipate will help fill-in for Michael Nhial & the other departures? What do they bring to the roster?
"I honestly think our roster could go 10-deep this year. There have been a lot of guys this fall who have done a lot of nice things. Its difficult to pinpoint just one. Caleb Duerr is our one and only returning varsity player, so he's definitely one to keep an eye on."
Is there a certain aspect of the game that you think will be the strength of your team?
"Speed. We have a lot of real quick athletic guards who can get the ball up the floor and make good decisions with it."
To boil it down, what would make the upcoming season a successful one?
"A successful season would be our guys trusting our process and staying focused. They'll be learning some new and different things this year. It won't be perfect right away and there will definitely be some growing pains. If our guys can stay positive and focused, I think we'll be playing our best basketball in February and March. That would make this season a success."
Is there anything else you would like people to know about your program or players?
"I think the thing that's going to make this year so much fun is the types of kids we have on our team. They're great kids and a lot of fun to be around. They're very coachable and willing to compete. I think they're going to be a fun group to watch."
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