A new year is quickly coming upon us as the 1st semester of college begins to wrap up. Our student-athletes are learning to manage time between high expectations on the court, as well as the demands of passing classes with above average grades. There is a unique level of stress which can not be put into words by each individual, but simply internalized as we all cope with these pressures differently. With that being said I would like to express my level of gratitude for this year's Lumberjack TEAM.
I would be a liar if I said the plan was to go 15-2 to begin the season leading to the accomplishment of becoming ranked #17 in the nation. This ranking means absolutely nothing as it pertains to our overall objective, but it is a vote of confidence for the student-athletes who have traveled a long way from home to attend Dakota College in a small town called Bottineau. It would be a 50/50 coin toss if we went down the line and asked each player to spell "Bottineau". WE chose to embark on this journey TOGETHER, and we are a long ways away from the finish line but these young men are quickly growing to become bigger than a basketball TEAM. Each and every day these players pleasantly surprise me through their unselfish play, knack for cracking personal jokes without taking it personal, ability to deal with confrontation, and lastly the fact no player believes they are more important than the TEAM. For these reason I am very grateful to be at Dakota College and thankful to have the opportunity to coach these Jack Boyz.
We are a long ways away from the finish line and much work is to be done, but going into break this TEAM has taken care of business at the right times. This past week the TEAM went 2-0 by defeating Turtle Mountain Community College 111-71 and Jamestown College JV 88-56. Just like every other game of the year it was a TEAM effort with different players having standout performances. Freshman Jalyn Turner lead the way vs. TMCC with 18 points, Sophomore transfer Jake Arck had his best game of the year with 14 and Billy Engel tallied 13 points. Going into the Jamestown game we were certain somebody would emerge as the spark, and Freshman Wesley Harrison came to play with 18 points establishing his new career high to go with 6 rebounds. There were several great TEAM plays made throughout the game, and most importantly we head into break with a win.
The Lumberjacks are off until January 3rd when we travel to Northland Technical and Community College to play two games. Our Coaching Staff will be hitting the road to focus primarily on next year's recruiting class. Have a great holiday, travel safe, and stay grateful.
Thank you for the support!
Get Jacked UP,
Cory Fehringer
