Snow is on the ground. Not only does this mean that winter is here but so is another high school boys’ basketball season. The BGMR Boys Basketball Team began practice on Monday, November 23rd. With over 40 boys in grades 7-12 signed up for basketball quantity of players is not an issue. The coaching staff however will be looking to make that quantity into quality.
The Gator Boys are coming off a surprising 15-12, 2010-2011 season. With only 1 senior on last years’ squad the Gators are hoping that experience and hard work will take them to the upper core of teams in Section 8A. The Gators however will sorely miss the services of graduated senior Nathan Stanelle. Stanelle had a remarkable senior campaign averaging more than 19 points and 6 rebounds per game. More importantly Stanelle provided leadership that will be tough to replace.
Returning starters from last season’s team are Jakob Anderson, Nick Dostal, Jacquan Rhen, and Tanner Creviston. Also returning were key reserve players Nathan Hietala, Alex Rhen, Ryan Modahl and Trey Langaas. Here is a season preview of Gator players and the program:
Senior players Anderson, Dostal, Modahl and Hietala will be counted on heavily to replace the loss of Stanelle. Anderson averaged 11.4 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. He is a player who can shoot well from the outside and can go inside if he puts his mind to it. Dostal will be off to a slow start for the Gators as he recovers from a broken leg suffered in football. Dostal had an amazing summer and the Gators were really looking forward to his senior year. Dostal averaged 13 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assist per game last season. Fortunately for the Gators they hope to get Dostal back by just after holiday break. Hietala is a streaky player who at times showed flashes of brilliance. He must gain confidence in himself and his teammates in order to even out his inconsistent play. If he does Hietala will be a player to watch out for. Modahl is a lunch bucket player. He doesn’t put up the big statistics but does the much needed dirty work and is an outstanding team player. Also working for playing time is senior Trey Langaas. Langaas plays good defense and has a motor that doesn’t quit. He will have to protect the ball on offense in order to get into the regular rotation.
Returning juniors, Rhen, Creviston and Rhen will also be asked to step up their game compared to their sophomore year. Jacquan Rhen is a gifted athlete who averaged 7.8 points and 6.1 rebounds last season. Deciding how good he wants to become and working to become that good will be the focus for Jacquan. Creviston had a surprising sophomore year. He was one of the Gators best defensive players and was an ever present rebounder. Improving his offensive game and outside shooting will be a key for Creviston. Alex Rhen is another good athlete who needs to find out how good he can be. Rhen is a strong rebounder, and decent shot blocker. Offensively he has the tools but needs to refine his game. Other juniors searching for playing time will be Nick Wilson, Jacob Randall and Tyler Bentow. All 3 are great teammates but have small flaws to their game. If they worked on improving their flaws during the off season they all could see the varsity floor. The Gators may have a freshman who could see varsity playing time. Aaron Dostal had a nice summer and showed he has skills to play at the varsity level. Varsity action is a different level of play and one in which the Gator coaching staff doesn’t like to rush players so Dostal will really need to show that he can stand the physical and mental components of varsity play.
The numbers in the program are good and because of this there will be vicious competition for playing time at all levels. This in turn should make for competitive and intense practices. The coaches know that this will only take place if the players allow it too and work for each second of playing time.
Many in Gator Nation have been expecting big things from this years’ team. The coach staff and boys will do everything in their power not to disappoint. We hope that Gator Nation will be out in full force throughout the WHOLE season as the Gators have a tough schedule ahead of them. This will be a team to keep your eye on as they seem to be able to put the ball in the basket and they play well together. With the positive support of the Gator faithful this season will be successful no matter what the record turns out being. These young men will represent the school and communities well and will be a team that fans can be proud of.
Section 8A should be a battle again. Several teams; such as Warren-Alvarado-Oslo, Northern Freeze, Kittson County Central, Grygla-Goodridge, Cass Lake-Bean and Fertile Beltrami just to name a few have their eye on the prize and a trip to the state tournament.
Set your watches as the Gators tip off the season on Friday December 2 when the Gators travel to Stephen to take on Stephen-Argyle. It will be a tough test but one in which the Gators are looking forward too.
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