12/1/23: North Branch

Boys basketball rebuilding foundation

By Heidi Burger

The Dragon Boys Varsity Basketball team started their season off with a home game against the 3A North Branch Vikings. It was a bold start to the season taking on a bigger school. But Coach Kyle Allen and his team knew this. Allen said he wants his guys to have challenges, to learn to play up. 

“We knew going in this was going to be a good early test,” said Allen. “Overall, I thought we did well in terms of what we’re focusing on. Right now we are focusing on energy, effort and coachability. This is the number one priority in everything we do.” Although the score of the game wasn’t the outcome the team preferred, he added, the growth that happened on the court was beneficial. “It was a good starting point, a place to set the bar of what is expected of a Dragon basketball player.”

Although the points got away from the Dragons, Allen felt as if the boys didn’t back down. “We took steps forward in terms of work ethic. We had 12 guys touch the floor in one game. This is what needs to be our strength this year – our depth,” he said.

Players of note were Austin Wiener with nine rebounds and Bryer Willert. “Willert has shown lots of grit to start this year, he will wear many hats. I’m excited for him as he starts to get and buy into what we are building,” said Allen. “Matt Blake will always lead and work his tail off and do what is asked of him. Charlie Ausmus is the never-ending engine that could. He is all over, rebounding, shooting, running.”

The final score was 89-48, with a Viking win.

Coach Allen also talked a bit about rebuilding the foundation of PCHS basketball. This is a year to fix the crack, to correct what has been lost, he said. “I remember I looked up in the stands before the game and saw my former player, Josh Adams, in the stands with his daughters. Josh was a senior here for me my first year, and we talked about the foundation these guys laid for us,” noted Allen. “They believed in something bigger than themselves. That first year we only went 5 and 22, and I had a lot of people tell me what to do to win more games. But our goal is to create a program that chases a championship every year.” 

Coach Allen invited Josh Adams to come and talk to the boys before the game, so they could see a face that has gone before them in the program. Alumni Josh Adams recalls playing for Coach Allen, “It was a great basketball family that I’m thankful to have been a part of. We were given the tools and encouragement to grow as basketball players, and as young men too. I learned a lot about effort and commitment that I have been able to apply to the rest of my life. I am beyond thankful for the time I was able to spend with my friends, and the lessons I was able to take with me.”

The Dragons will play Hinckley on Tuesday, December 5, and then will host East Central on Friday December 8 at 7 p.m.

Varsity: L (89-48)

Highlights: https://www.hudl.com/video/2/421951/656b8ba29a9bf106a4a37a2e

JV: L

C: W (2OT)

Photo Credit: Four Seasons Photography