This year our TEAM believed in competing against higher level opponents during preseason play. WE had exhibition or scrimmage contests versus NCAA DII (Minot State University), NAIA (Dickinson State University), NJCAA DI (BSC and Dawson CC), and a 5-year Canadian institution(Brandon University). The goal was to learn more about our TEAM as far as weaknesses and strengths are concerned prior to beginning the regular season. All in all it seemed to be a fairly successful start as the Lumberjacks played well together at times, but also were given an opportunity to learn from mistakes. WE have only one returning player from last season which means 14 new faces will be asked to execute new roles within a new program.
The regular season kicks off this Friday, November 1st at "The Woodshed" against Canadian Mennonite University with tip set for 8pm. Even though it is the first game our TEAM has begun to build an identity based on playing extremely intense on both ends, sharing the basketball through trust, attempting to play fast at any given opportunity, and the TEAM seems to having fun during the process. Last year the coaching staff was limited in resources due to the bench not having much depth. This coming season we anticipate playing a variety of different lineups to maximize players strength, or opponent weaknesses. One key element is the fact our strongest players do not have to deliver extraordinary performances night in and night out to be successful, because several new additions have the ability to help win games when specific players seem to be struggling.
Transition Offense/Defense, Rebounding, and Assist-Turnover ratio are three primary basketball related statistics of concern for our TEAM this season. The game will be played up-tempo meaning WE need to get easy baskets offensively while forcing the opponent to play a half-court style in simple terms. All coaches emphasize rebounding but as a smaller TEAM every player must take responsibility over the battle on the boards if WE want to stand a chance against stronger teams. Finally this group must trust the pass as WE strive to make the right play (singles) vs. the hard play (home runs). Much of our emphasis is to play more like Peyton Manning and less like Brett Favre.
Communication, Uncommon Work Ethic, and Child-Like Enthusiasm to get better each day over a long year will be three areas associated with our attitude, and preparation which can not be charted through statistical analysis. Our guys enjoy the game of basketball and we should be so thankful to be allowed to play at the college level. This season will go by extremely fast and we only have so much time together as a group before sophomore's move on, new freshman are on campus, and we begin the process all over.
Let's all embrace the 2013-2014 basketball season!
Embrace the Success
Embrace the Adversity
Embrace the Experience
See everybody Friday night at 8pm.
Get Jacked UP,
Cory Fehringer
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Dickinson State Jamboree Considered Successful: Next Up, Brandon University
The Lumberjack basketball TEAM began the preseason competing at Dickinson State in a Jamboree. We played 3 games in 5 hours on our way to a 2-1 finish. It was nice to see the freshman in action and the sophomores embracing leadership roles. Overall we finished the Jamboree with wins against Dawson CC and Dickinson State before falling to Bismarck State in our final game. It would be easy to pass judgment after a few competitions, but the finish line is too far away for any true evaluation. At the end of the day I can say we had moments of tremendous teamwork, intensity, and execution but several concerns were validated along the way.
At this point in the preseason we expect our sophomores to carry the load of preparation and breeding confidence to the TEAM. Julian Vasquez was fairly solid on the offensive end with a good mixture of scoring and passing. Our organization and tempo was controlled by Billy Engel throughout the 1st two contests. Transfers Jake Arck and Kolbi Selby stepped in and looked comfortable in new uniforms as they executed TEAM strategies at an above average level. These four players will be asked to fast forward the learning curve through a better understanding of competition at the college level.
Coaches understand one of the primary keys to consistently winning is the wisdom of veteran leadership. Many coaches also understand in junior college this is not a luxury to be counted on, and young players must step in immediately to impact games. Several incoming freshman performed exceptionally in their first form of college competition. Xavier Cruz (PG), Jalyn Turner (G), Giberto Shojgreen (F), Same Robinson (F) and Travis Frye (G) had several moments where the coaching staff believes these players can be counted on as we move forward. We do have two key players who are continuing to rehab nagging injury. Julian Short (F) and Wesley Harrison (F) were both unavailable to play due to minor physical pain.
DSU's Jamboree provided great insight on the type of TEAM we can be, and the type of TEAM we can not be. Shot selection (our shot vs your shot) became an issue at times which is always a concern for young teams, of course rebounding without two of your interior players was difficult, and playing at a consistently fast tempo will be areas of improvement for our guys. The best part of the Jamboree is all negative comments to be made are problems with an obvious solution. It is up our to our coaching staff and the commitment of our players to be honest with each other as we strive to become better on a daily basis.
WE are in action again over the weekend with two exhibition games against Brandon University. Friday, October 18th we will tip off in Brandon at 8pm followed by a 6pm tip off on Saturday the 19th. This is another strong contest against an older opponent (5 year institution) who is good enough to expose our weaknesses during mistakes. Stay tuned for an update on Sunday to catch up on the news and details.
Take Care Lumberjack Supporters!
Get Jacked UP,
Cory Fehringer
At this point in the preseason we expect our sophomores to carry the load of preparation and breeding confidence to the TEAM. Julian Vasquez was fairly solid on the offensive end with a good mixture of scoring and passing. Our organization and tempo was controlled by Billy Engel throughout the 1st two contests. Transfers Jake Arck and Kolbi Selby stepped in and looked comfortable in new uniforms as they executed TEAM strategies at an above average level. These four players will be asked to fast forward the learning curve through a better understanding of competition at the college level.
Coaches understand one of the primary keys to consistently winning is the wisdom of veteran leadership. Many coaches also understand in junior college this is not a luxury to be counted on, and young players must step in immediately to impact games. Several incoming freshman performed exceptionally in their first form of college competition. Xavier Cruz (PG), Jalyn Turner (G), Giberto Shojgreen (F), Same Robinson (F) and Travis Frye (G) had several moments where the coaching staff believes these players can be counted on as we move forward. We do have two key players who are continuing to rehab nagging injury. Julian Short (F) and Wesley Harrison (F) were both unavailable to play due to minor physical pain.
DSU's Jamboree provided great insight on the type of TEAM we can be, and the type of TEAM we can not be. Shot selection (our shot vs your shot) became an issue at times which is always a concern for young teams, of course rebounding without two of your interior players was difficult, and playing at a consistently fast tempo will be areas of improvement for our guys. The best part of the Jamboree is all negative comments to be made are problems with an obvious solution. It is up our to our coaching staff and the commitment of our players to be honest with each other as we strive to become better on a daily basis.
WE are in action again over the weekend with two exhibition games against Brandon University. Friday, October 18th we will tip off in Brandon at 8pm followed by a 6pm tip off on Saturday the 19th. This is another strong contest against an older opponent (5 year institution) who is good enough to expose our weaknesses during mistakes. Stay tuned for an update on Sunday to catch up on the news and details.
Take Care Lumberjack Supporters!
Get Jacked UP,
Cory Fehringer
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
2013-2014 Season is Underway
On October 1st, 2013 the Lumberjack Basketball TEAM officially began the season with practice. Although this date is considered to be the 1st day a TEAM is legally able to improve as a unit, our TEAM began the process much earlier. The only difference was our TEAM began building the foundation without a basketball or a court. Our preseason was filled with new experiences for individuals who have for the better part traveled a long ways from home in order to compete for Dakota College. Of course there was some strength/conditioning and individual workouts, but the majority of our "work" consisted of developing a positive outlook toward accepting new roles with the emphasis being to create an environment based upon servant leadership.
TEAM BUILDING ACTIVITIES:
-Stain a deck on Lake Metigoshe
-Cut down 25 trees and split into firewood for Shepherd's Hill (Christian Youth Camp)
-Move pianos, washers, dryers, fire place for individuals in the community
-Host a Car Wash and Bake Sale
-Assist local Salon in transitioning store to new location
With that begin said, the coaching staff is extremely excited for the competitive season to kick-off. The 1st scrimmage will be held this Sunday, October 13th at Dickinson State University as we play 3 games (Dickinson State University, Bismarck State, and Dawson CC). This years group of student-athletes will be much more dynamic on both ends of the floor as the recruiting class is considered to be much more talented. Our size and speed have been improved along with the amount of offensive/defensive threats to be utilized in different schemes.
PLAYER OUTLOOK:
Billy Engel - Only returning player from last year's team. He is a gym rat who is always prepared and understands what steps must be taken to be successful. Engel's role will change in some ways as he is expected to be an extension of myself on the floor in practice, and games.
Julian Vasquez - Redshirted the previous year and is receiving attention from several NCAA D2 schools. Very talented offensive player with a knack for getting the TEAM involved. As competitive of player as I have coached, or played with in college.
Jake Arck - Transfer from Cyprus College (CA). Arck is a diligent worker, gym rat, and extremely athletic. Difficult to guard in transition and an exceptional rebounder on both ends.
Kolbi Selby - Transfer from Gillette CC (SD). Quick trigger from long-distance and an understanding of what it takes to be successful at the college level. Has proven to be the most consistent shooter up to this point.
Gilberto Shojgreen - Freshman from Miami, FL. Naturally talented at 6'7 with a 7' wing span. Will only get better with time in the gym as he polishes his game, and becomes more than just a guy who can dunk.
Sam Robinson - Freshman from Chicago, IL. TOUGH! Robinson will be asked to typically guard the other teams best offensive player. We believe Robinson's attitude is contagious and he is willing to accept any role for the betterment of the TEAM.
Xavier Cruz, Jalyn Turner, Patrick Robinson and Travis Frye are all freshman guards who will be expected to contribute. Each player has a unique skill set to be of value to the TEAM. They are working together daily to improve and understand our TEAM philosophy.
Julian Short, Wesley Harrison and Justin Musgrave will work together to improve our protection of the paint, defending bigger players and working to win the rebounding battle. Once again each player brings a different strength to the table and will be asked to impact games in different ways.
WE look forward to competing with your support. Stay tuned for more updates following the scrimmage at Dickinson State University. Let's have a great 2013-2014 basketball season.
Get JACKED UP,
Cory Fehringer
Head Coach
Lumberjack Hoops
TEAM BUILDING ACTIVITIES:
-Stain a deck on Lake Metigoshe
-Cut down 25 trees and split into firewood for Shepherd's Hill (Christian Youth Camp)
-Move pianos, washers, dryers, fire place for individuals in the community
-Host a Car Wash and Bake Sale
-Assist local Salon in transitioning store to new location
With that begin said, the coaching staff is extremely excited for the competitive season to kick-off. The 1st scrimmage will be held this Sunday, October 13th at Dickinson State University as we play 3 games (Dickinson State University, Bismarck State, and Dawson CC). This years group of student-athletes will be much more dynamic on both ends of the floor as the recruiting class is considered to be much more talented. Our size and speed have been improved along with the amount of offensive/defensive threats to be utilized in different schemes.
PLAYER OUTLOOK:
Billy Engel - Only returning player from last year's team. He is a gym rat who is always prepared and understands what steps must be taken to be successful. Engel's role will change in some ways as he is expected to be an extension of myself on the floor in practice, and games.
Julian Vasquez - Redshirted the previous year and is receiving attention from several NCAA D2 schools. Very talented offensive player with a knack for getting the TEAM involved. As competitive of player as I have coached, or played with in college.
Jake Arck - Transfer from Cyprus College (CA). Arck is a diligent worker, gym rat, and extremely athletic. Difficult to guard in transition and an exceptional rebounder on both ends.
Kolbi Selby - Transfer from Gillette CC (SD). Quick trigger from long-distance and an understanding of what it takes to be successful at the college level. Has proven to be the most consistent shooter up to this point.
Gilberto Shojgreen - Freshman from Miami, FL. Naturally talented at 6'7 with a 7' wing span. Will only get better with time in the gym as he polishes his game, and becomes more than just a guy who can dunk.
Sam Robinson - Freshman from Chicago, IL. TOUGH! Robinson will be asked to typically guard the other teams best offensive player. We believe Robinson's attitude is contagious and he is willing to accept any role for the betterment of the TEAM.
Xavier Cruz, Jalyn Turner, Patrick Robinson and Travis Frye are all freshman guards who will be expected to contribute. Each player has a unique skill set to be of value to the TEAM. They are working together daily to improve and understand our TEAM philosophy.
Julian Short, Wesley Harrison and Justin Musgrave will work together to improve our protection of the paint, defending bigger players and working to win the rebounding battle. Once again each player brings a different strength to the table and will be asked to impact games in different ways.
WE look forward to competing with your support. Stay tuned for more updates following the scrimmage at Dickinson State University. Let's have a great 2013-2014 basketball season.
Get JACKED UP,
Cory Fehringer
Head Coach
Lumberjack Hoops
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