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
