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 Chad Slyter talking about Oak Grove girls hoops.
Before looking ahead, what are the best memories from last season?
"Last year was a rebuilding year as I took over and implemented a new style of play for the Grovers. While getting solid leadership from returning players, we were also looking to build the talented younger group that we have. We won one more game than the previous year and worked hard to teach competitiveness regardless of the score in the game."
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?
Have you already had players in the gym working on their game this Fall?
"We competed in five varsity camps this past summer including the competitive NDSU, UND and Northern State camps. Overall the team finished over .500 for the summer and took some steps forward. The biggest benefit was the rise in confidence in the team throughout the summer, learning to play together more and understanding that when they run the system, they can be successful. Because of our successful top four finish in the Region 1 Volleyball Season and most of our athletes being dual sport, the team was not in the gym a whole lot before the season started."
McKenna McIlonie has been identified as a player to watch in the region, how have you seen her improve? How might she continue to progress?
"McKenna took big steps forward last season, both athletically and mentally. Mentally she started to develop confidence in her abilities and what she can do on the court, not only to improve her one on one game but also what she needs to do to help our team be successful. By growing her confidence, she widened her game and lengthened her sharp shooting ability on the floor with her range. For McKenna to take a step forward this year, she will need to continue to look for her scoring opportunities but also know that now that opponents know of her long range ability, she will have to break defenses down and be able to score off the dribble."
Who are some of the players you anticipate will help fill-in for the ones that departed? What do they bring to the roster?
"I believe we will see a number of players take steps forward this year to help improve our program. Two seniors, Macey Tong and Ellie Sokolofosky, were both transfers last season. While not prolific scorers, they will help the team with defense, leadership and a hunger to help the team take another step forward. They are outstanding teammates and are willing to do the dirty work to help the team be successful. Mari Bolme and Hailey Neumann are both sophomores that dressed varsity but didn’t get a lot of time last season. They took big steps forward over the summer and will be counted on to provide both defense and scoring while providing depth in the forward and post positions. Freshman Aspyn Kjos and Sophie Geiger also had good summers and will be looked to provide depth in the guard position this season as well."
Is there a certain aspect of the game that you think will be the strength of your team?
"I believe our depth will be a strength for us. To run the style of game we want to and be successful at it, we will have to go anywhere from 8-10 deep and there really isn’t a lot of drop off in that ten. Senior Azahna Luschen is a grinder and sets the tone by doing whatever the coaches ask and all the little things really well. Juniors Ellie Machayya and Taylor Christianson might be the most athletic and quick players on the floor at any given time and will give fits to opposing offenses and players. Paightyn Downs will form a formidable back court with McIlonie but can also play a number of positions in the offense. This crew along with those mentioned above could provide a lot of fun for the Grovers this season."
To boil it down, what would make the upcoming season a successful one?
"We want to keep improving and building the program. We have a lot of excitement and buy-in in our program right now and our athletes are hungry. They want to be better and their work in the off-season has shown that. Look for the Grovers to be more competitive this year and start to climb the ladder in an extremely difficult and competitive Class B Region 1. I believe that would be a success and show growth this season."
There's been a lot of talk about the proposed three-class division. Do you have a comment about that?
I believe that if there is any sport in ND that needs a three-class system it is Girls Basketball. If executed properly, the three-class system could be a great thing for our sport.
Is there anything else you would like people to know about your program or players?
Our program is filled with not only good athletes but great people. They have worked hard on and off the court to become better players, leaders and people. We are defining and building a culture of success for the future of the program and the team is excited to continue that journey this upcoming season.
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