The Agate boy’s basketball team has enjoyed five impressive wins this season without a loss, but Coach Bill Anderson isn’t ready to include his team among the elite teams of Section 7AA. “Esko, Rock Ridge, Moose Lake, Crosby-Ironton and Pequot Lakes are among the top teams and we haven’t had that signature win yet. We play at Rock Ridge next week and that will be a good test for us. (The Agates’ scheduled game against Esko fell victim to the recent storm and was rescheduled for late February, just prior to playoffs.)
Anderson continued, “Our defense has been good. Our pressure has disrupted our opponents and our depth has worn them down. I hope that can continue when we play some of these top teams. Our shooting has been adequate and we have a number of players who can lead us in scoring on any given night.”
Asked what he wants his team to improve upon, Anderson quickly responded, “I’d like to see our rebounding improve and continue to develop our offense. We have to control our fouls. In a close game against a quality opponent, a needless foul can cost us the game.”
Senior Cam Nelson says it is an amazing experience to be undefeated but knows they have a lot left to prove. “I think that I am most surprised how much we have scored despite having some cold shooting stretches. We are playing solid defense. Next week, we play at Rock Ridge and that will be a good test for us.” Cam says that he is really excited to play Moose Lake. “I can’t remember us beating them and if we can do that. It will be exciting.”
Trent Gomez is also enjoying his senior year. Trent has scored thirty-one points in each of his last two games, but is focused on the games ahead for his team. He is very pleased with how they are dealing with success. “If anything, we are working harder and staying even more focused. We play Rock Ridge next week and a win there is very important.”
Asked what they need to do to maintain their success, Trent adds, “Stay out of foul trouble, keep working, keep grinding, and let the success come.”
