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Scottie Boys Basketball Low in Numbers but High in Spirit

There was plenty of hustle and sweat in the first week of the boys basketball practice at Glasgow High School. The boys seemed as giddy as the coaches were, happy that the drop of temperature outside coincides perfectly with the start of their winter sport on the shiny gym floor.

However, Scottie boys basketball head coach Norm Braaten is not happy that only 17 boys turned out for the 2015-2016 season. "That's sad for Class B. We need to start involving kids in school basketball as early as 5th grade in order to keep kids interested and be competitive," said Braaten.

That also means lots of playing time for everyone, as the Scotties are looking at fielding only a varsity and a JV team. No C-squad -only six freshman boys came out for the team (with one more expected this week), two of them limited so far with injuries. This from a freshman class that fielded two teams back in seventh grade.

Never mind the lack of new blood. The effect of the loss of an athletic class of 2015 rippled through football and is felt in basketball. The team graduated six core varsity players. Of the six returning, only Ethan Etchart and Zach Miller saw substantial minutes on the varsity level as juniors. "Last year, we would review film then turn the kids loose to play. This year, we lack height, size and experience. We are going back to the fundamentals," said Braaten.

Therefore, the new team presents wide open opportunities for all players to hone their skills and jostle for positions, and step up to the challenge that is made steep by last year's District 2B champion.

Along with sixth-year assistant coach Greg Page, Braaten said that they are looking forward to seeing the kids develop individually to be the best player they can be. As a team, they will work hard and be pushed to the highest level. "We will be alright by the end of the year," he added.

Come see these players at "Meet the Scotties Night" on Nov. 28, the Saturday after Thanksgiving:

Seniors: Walker Allen, Ethan Etchart, Chase Hughes and Zach Miller.

Juniors: Luke Breigenzer, Trent Herbert, Tyler Hersom, Michael Mulligan, Braden Ross

Sophomores: Alex Fransen, Bryce Legare

Freshmen: Bryce Hanshew, Tayson Hoerster, Brett Glaser, Ellis McKean, Ben Miller, Cade Myrick

Their season will begin with two back-to-back road games: Glendive on Friday, Dec. 4, and Roundup on Saturday, Dec. 5. The first home game will be Saturday, Dec. 11, vs. Baker.

 

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