Winter Sports Preview: Boys basketball sets forth with strong group of seniors

 Winter Sports Preview: Boys basketball sets forth with strong group of seniors

• By Heidi Burger
 
• Nov 27, 2024

The Dragon Boys Basketball team is ready and running for the upcoming season. Coach Kyle Allen is in his 14th year as the head coach for the Dragons. Last season, Coach Allen was transparent about the condition of the program and commented on the program having “cracks in the foundation.” He said last season was a time to reset and fix those cracks.  

The coaches’ hope is that, as a group, they take advantage of last season and have grown and learned. “If everything goes according to plan, we should have a lot of depth with contributors across multiple grade levels,” said Allen. “As we take the next step to return to relevancy as a program, players will be asked to perform the concepts of the program on a night in and night out basis.”  The incoming boys varsity group will get an opportunity again this year to showcase that they can compete and play at this level. It could be the team’s biggest challenge this season, or their greatest accomplishment – to keep the foundation strong and the program relevant.  

Coach Allen added, “As we work our way back to where the program once was, we know the obstacles that we must overcome; we have traveled down this road before. Being consistent in both our buy-in and preparation will create the model the next groups need to carry the torch.”

Last season, the boys finished the season with an overall record of 6-21. Allen is hoping to be much more competitive this year. He also commented on the loss of the lone senior last year, Matthew Blake. Blake took on a role that is not asked of many, and his leadership was a big piece to the program. The coaches are looking to the returning varsity players to continue that leadership role and continue the growth mindset of the program.

It is a senior-loaded team this year, and each one has their contributions. Charlie Ausmus is a returning all-conference/all-section player. He is a shooter with an unlimited motor. Bryer Willert, also a returning all-conference/honorable mention player, has grit on both sides of the court. Sawyer McDaniel is the “long and lanky” returning captain. AJ Ostenson has the potential to be a lead guard with his shooting skills. Austin Wiener has the chance to be a top inside/out guy on both sides of the court. Jace Peterson will show off his athleticism both on offense and defense.  Eli Fromm also has a high endurance level and is a work-horse. Daniel Milliman is a solid defender that has the potential to lead in the creator position. Kevon Williams has an excellent attitude and mindset while playing the game. Daimien Lord will also bring his athleticism to the court. And finally, Colson Berglund is given the “Schwab Role” this year on the team with his high IQ.

Other players of note are sophomore Grant Larson, sophomore Grant Skluzacek, sophomore Tanner Fix, junior Sam Johnson, and junior Ashton Moore.

Allen is assisted by Dylan Kringstad (JV coach, 3rd year), Wayne Hansmann (C-Squad coach, 11th year), Adam Jensen (8th grade coach, 10th year), Ben Bloomquist (7th grade coach, 8th year).

The boys season can be followed online at: www.pinecityboysbasketball.blogspot.com.