Boys team has depth, size; Should compete amongst conference elite

The Glasgow boys' basketball team hit the hardwood for the first time Monday and is looking forward to a solid year in a tough division.

Though the team lost five seniors from last year's squad, including four starters, there is plenty of talent left on the team that finished 10-6 overall and 6-4 in conference.

“It's a great opportunity for these kids to step up and play,” head coach Norm Braaten said. “That's what we're trying to emphasize is play hard, play smart and we'll see what happens from there on.”

What the Scotties do return is a ton of size on the front line. Seniors Drew Croy and Jon Page, who both had starters minutes last season, will lead a corps that also will feature Patrick Billingsley.

The only returner in the backcourt from last season's varsity squad is senior Dylan Hughes.

“After that it's anybody's guess,” Braaten said. “They're young kids, they're enthusiastic. We're looking for some positive things. We know we're going to take our lumps early but we're working at it.”

On the bright side, the lack of returners with a wealth of kids who could compete for a starting job should lead to great depth for the Scotties. With about 10 players vying for starting minutes, the Scotties bench should be able to give the team a boost over the long season.

“I think we're going to have a lot of people who can play because I don't know who's going to start,” Braaten said. “It's going to be numbers five through eight, nine, ten (who make the difference). It could very from week to week.”

The Scotties will probably take some lumps in conference as well, with Wolf Point coming in with a loaded team and Malta fielding a team that is always well-coached and feisty.

“We're going to be there by the end,” Braaten said. “We've got good kids who work hard, we've got a great coaching staff. If we work hard and play smart we'll be fine.”

The Scotties begin their season on the road for the first three weeks of the season. The team will play at Scobey on Dec. 4 to begin the season. After trips to Glendive, Three Forks and Harlem the Scotties will finally host Sidney at Glasgow High School on Dec 19.