The boys’ basketball team has shown remarkable improvement this year, positioning themselves as a strong contender for the state championship.
Key factors, such as enhanced teamwork, strategic coaching, and individual player development contribute to the team’s success. With a season record of 10-2. Their only two losses came to Norris and Lincon Pius X.
From the 2023-24 season, the team has not lost a single player from its varsity lineup. Three seniors, five juniors, and two sophomores contribute to the team’s success.
“The team has changed a lot and now with all the same people, our program has come together, and we are all working toward the same end goal,” senior Will Farrington said.
Having the same team as last year grew the team’s connection, allowing for better communication and trust both on and off the court. Having this good connection is a huge part of a team sport and will help the team in the long run.
Since the school opened, boys’ basketball is the only program that hasn’t made it to the state competition. The team and coaches hope to see that change. There have been some changes to the coaching staff as well. While Andy King and Spencer Peterson are still running the varsity program, they welcomed ENHS alum Brandon Orgibold as the new freshman B coach. Orgilbold is shaping the young players which will impact the program and present an opportunity for future growth.
“Our coaches have worked on our offense to play to our player’s strengths, and more recently we changed our defense to keep pushing forward,” Varsity head coach Andy King said.
The coaching staff implemented new strategies that have significantly boosted the team’s performance. By focusing on both offensive and defensive drills, the coaches have prepared the players to handle various game situations with confidence.
“Many of our players have worked hard,” King said. “Having seniors this year that have been here for four years has helped move our program along, and start our season at a different level”
Many have stepped up their game, demonstrating improved shooting accuracy, defensive effectiveness, and overall athleticism. With last year’s season record being 13-8, and this year being 11-3, it is safe to say they are on the right track. This personal development has not only enhanced the team’s overall performance but has also created a sense of healthy competition within the squad, pushing each player to strive for excellence.
“I look up to Jase Reynolds, he is just a great guy and leader on the court,” Sophomore Grant Sutko said. “The whole team is just full of great leaders to look up to.”
With these improvements, the Wolves are well on their way to making a significant impact in the state tournament.
Junior Sutton Piatkowski and Nike Orgilbold have stepped up this year, improving their performance and ultimately leading to the team’s new success. These two juniors have impacted the team’s statistics and have willed the team to be a great class B contender.
Basketball is a team sport, which means being selfless and being there for your team.
“We are playing pretty good as a unit, and we have a very unselfish team who will do whatever it takes to get the win,” varsity assistant coach Spencer Peterson said.
The team has come together and focused all its effort on achieving one goal.
“The goal every year, for five straight years, is to get to a district final and then make it to a state championship,” King said. “This year things have been off to a great start.”
