A New Dynamic for Boys Basketball
After graduating 12 seniors, new players are eager to step up
The Bison Boys Basketball team enters this season with a new lineup. After graduating twelve seniors, the Bison are young, energetic, and eager to prove they can compete in the toughest conference in the state.
Head coach Josh Ortmann is aware of the challenges that lie ahead this season, but he also sees a good opportunity to create something special.
“It will be an interesting dynamic with some sophomores, juniors, and seniors all playing together,” Ortmann said. “When you have kids from multiple grades, a lot of the time it can go well. The biggest struggle is whether kids will be accepting of their role on the team.”
Despite the inexperience, Ortmann believes the overall skill level and athleticism have improved from last year. Players have been putting in extra hours in the weight room and gym to prepare for this upcoming season to win some games.
“We are going to be a young team,” said Eli Hegle ‘28. “It will be hard to have chemistry at first, but we trust each other. We are a smaller team, but with our shooting and efforts, we can make up for it.”
While some players see this season as a chance for new roles, others see this as an opportunity to build a strong team for the future, while still competing this season and having some competitive games.
“We have got a fun group with good chemistry, even though we’re younger, we have been playing together for a while,” said Will Mariovsky ‘28. The Lake Conference will be tough, but I think we can really compete.”
A lot of the trust these players have built happens off the court, especially in the weight room. Coach Austin Youngmark says the players’ work ethic is what sets them apart from other schools.
“They’re one of the most dedicated groups I have ever worked with. If they aren’t on the court, they’re in the weight room getting stronger and faster. Coach Ortmann has built a standard where if you aren’t in the weight room, you aren’t on the team; that is what sets them apart” (Youngmark).
As the Bison Boys Basketball team heads into the new season, their focus is not just on wins and losses; it’s about growth and building a strong foundation for the future of the team. Their dedication was built through hours and hours spent in the gym and in the weight room, so they are ready for whatever challenges get thrown their way this season.
