The North Union Warriors boys basketball team, guided by 11th-year head coach Alex Fisher, is on a quest to establish their rhythm as they kick off a new season. After an impressive 14-2 season that earned them a second-place finish in the Top of Iowa Conference, the squad is faced with the challenge of integrating a fresh roster filled with players who are experiencing varsity basketball for the first time.
One of the primary hurdles the team confronts this season is the lack of varsity experience, given that five starters from the previous year have graduated and the sixth man is currently sidelined due to injury. Coach Fisher emphasized the significance of player development, stating, “Our lack of experience is our biggest challenge right now.”
Despite these difficulties, the Warriors have shown tenacity, recently defeating West Bend-Mallard 66-48 in a nonconference matchup, marking their season’s first victory and heading into the next game with momentum.
Fisher highlighted the need for the team to gel, as they currently play with a limited bench. “We’re just focused on coming together as a team,” he said, indicating plans to adjust their playing strategy to accommodate the injuries.
Amidst the roster changes, the Warriors possess notable shooting capabilities. Fisher pointed out that they have several players adept at three-point shooting, which bodes well for their offensive strategy. “I think we’ve got at times four guys that can really step behind the line and hit threes,” he mentioned, noting the promising guard play of Khael Jones and Grayson Kovrov.
The coach remains optimistic about the team’s potential as they work to improve daily, with hopes of welcoming back injured players soon. “We want to be right there in the top three or four of the conference mix,” Fisher added.
As the Warriors prepare for their upcoming game against North Iowa on Friday at 7:30 PM, the focus is on overcoming early season obstacles and building team cohesion. Fisher’s confidence in his players and the resilience they are demonstrating offers a hopeful outlook as the season progresses, suggesting that despite challenges, success is achievable through teamwork and perseverance.