The Agates boy’s basketball team opened the season with a strong showing earning a 76-51 win over the Chisholm Bluestreaks. The Agates led 55-19 at halftime.
Coach Bill Anderson has a “high class” problem with twelve seniors and an almost equal number of juniors. “There are a lot of talented kids that we are fortunate to have on this team.”
Anderson reflected on the game: “We had an exceptionally strong first half and our defensive pressure had an effect on them. I think we are fortunate to play Chisholm early in the season, because they are a team that will be lot better as the season goes on.”
Asked what his expectations are for the season, Coach Anderson responded, “We want to play fundamentally sound basketball and go deep into the playoffs.”
Junior Isaiah Heitala absolutely loves basketball. “I play year round and like football, it is an ultimate team sport. This year we have a lot of guys and on any given night, anyone on our team can get hot. We all have to buy into helping the hot player score. Everyone will get their chance. We aren’t there yet, but I think we can a be very good team.”
Senior Ryan Seguin says, “Our team is exciting. We are very deep. Twelve or thirteen guys played in the first half alone. Everyone can play and we can run the entire game. I don’t think there are a lot of teams that can keep up. If we do that all year, we will all be in great shape too.” Ryan appreciates the competitive nature of basketball. “You have to go hard every time you see the court. I want to win our section and at least compete for state.”
This is the first year for junior Cash Williams playing with the Agate football and basketball teams. “It is a lot easier than it was when football season started. Having friends and knowing almost everyone is great.”
When asked how good he thought his team could be, Cash responded, “I’d just say we can be really good!”
Against Chisholm, Kyler Pitkanen led the team with twenty-three points and Trent Gomez added nineteen.
The Agates host Ely on Saturday, December 10th at 2:30 PM.
