B.C. Lee, in his eighth season as the boys basketball coach at Merkel, expects the Badgers to be much improved from last year’s team that finished 6-14 overall and 3-10 in District 5-3A. “We have a lot of experience coming back,” Lee emphasized, “but we will be looking for some young guys to step up and take on huge roles for us offensively and defensively.” Two of the ... Read More
Jim Ned Girls Basketball
Jim Ned has been one of the most consistent winners in girls basketball in the Big Country, and veteran coach Hunter Cooley should have another outstanding team, although it will be younger. “We will be smaller but quicker,” Cooley said. The Lady Indians were 27-3 last year, winning the District 6-3A title with a 14-1 mark and advancing to the regional semifinals before ... Read More
Jim Ned Boys Basketball
New Jim Ned boys basketball coach Blake Allen will have the Indians playing an uptempo style this season. “We will rely on our quickness to be aggressive on defense and push the pace offensively,” Allen said Jim Ned returns just two starters and five lettermen from last year’s squad that finished 14-11 overall and was 10-4 as the third-place team from District 6-3A. The ... Read More
Hawley Girls Basketball
Hawley girls basketball coach Michael Muscatell expects to play a lot of freshmen and sophomores on the varsity this year, but that hasn’t dampened his enthusiasm. “We will have to replace a lot from last year’s team,” he said, “but I feel like this group has the potential to step up and will find success. I am excited about this group of girls and excited about this ... Read More
Hamlin Girls Basketball
Hamlin girls basketball coach Casey Botos returns all five starters and expects a turnaround for the Lady Pipers this year. “This team will be a great group to coach,” Botos said. “All are very, very quick, looking to press more defensively and drive more offensively. We have only two seniors, and this group has been with me the last two years. It is time for things to click ... Read More