The North Union Warriors boys basketball team is gearing up for the new season, led by 11th-year head coach Alex Fisher. Coming off a successful 14-2 season that earned them a second-place finish in the Top of Iowa Conference, the Warriors are stepping into the current season with a new roster, featuring numerous players new to varsity action.
With five starters having graduated and injuries sidelining key players, Fisher acknowledges the team’s lack of varsity experience as their main challenge. “We’re returning zero minutes of varsity experience from our starting guys,” he noted, emphasizing the focus on player development and growth during this transitional time.
Among the few veterans are junior players Khael Jones and Drew Henderson, who have experienced playing at the varsity level. Their seasoned presence is crucial as the team seeks to establish cohesion. Despite a short bench due to the injuries, the Warriors managed a strong start, winning their first non-conference match against West Bend-Mallard 66-48.
Fisher is working to integrate players effectively, even with limited resources. “We’re overcoming some obstacles,” he remarked while experimenting with different lineups in their offense. He remains optimistic about his team’s shooting capabilities, suggesting they have several players who can contribute from three-point range.
The head coach’s ultimate aim is to encourage consistent improvement. “Our expectation always is just to get better every day,” Fisher affirmed, setting the vision for the season. He is hopeful that the return of injured players like Drew Henderson and Grady Madden after the break will bolster the team’s performance and allow them to compete for a top spot in the conference.
While early injuries present challenges, Fisher is confident in overcoming these hurdles and looks forward to a strong second half of the season. The Warriors will play their next game against North Iowa on Friday at 7:30 p.m. in the North Iowa Community High School Gym.
This season represents a journey filled with new beginnings for the Warriors, and with strong leadership and determination, fans can remain hopeful for their growth and potential success as the season unfolds.