The North Union Warriors boys basketball team, under the leadership of 11th-year head coach Alex Fisher, is gearing up for a challenging season. After finishing last season with an impressive 14-2 record and a second-place ranking in the Top of Iowa Conference, the team is now restructuring with a refreshed lineup, featuring many players who are stepping into varsity roles for the first time.
Coach Fisher has emphasized the importance of player development and growth this season, particularly as the team navigates the early hurdles posed by a lack of varsity experience. “We graduated five starters, and with our sixth man injured, we essentially have no returners with varsity game minutes,” Fisher noted.
Fortunately, the Warriors do have a couple of seasoned players, juniors Khael Jones and Drew Henderson, who played varsity last season and are expected to bring essential leadership and experience to the court as the team finds its footing.
Currently facing the challenge of a short bench due to injuries, the Warriors achieved a strong start to the season with a 66-48 victory against West Bend-Mallard in a nonconference match, marking their first win of the season at 1-0.
Fisher explained that the team is concentrating on developing their chemistry on the court, saying, “We’re just focused on gelling together, especially with some key players sidelined.” The team is adapting its strategy with available players, including pairing Lane Bruin and Cole Nixon in unique formations to enhance their offensive game.
Despite some setbacks, Fisher is optimistic about the team’s shooting capabilities and overall offensive potential. “We’re a pretty good shooting team, with several players able to consistently hit three-pointers,” he stated, highlighting the contributions of guards like Cale Jones and Grayson Kovrov.
As the season progresses, Fisher’s goal remains clear: to foster improvement and unity within the team, aiming to climb into contention for a top-three or four position in their conference. He noted that, “Getting Drew and Grady [Madden] back healthy will be crucial, and we’re hopeful for a strong run in January and February.”
The Warriors are looking forward to their upcoming game against North Iowa on Friday at 7:30 p.m. in the North Iowa Community High School Gym.
In summary, the North Union Warriors are embarking on a new chapter with a mix of challenges and opportunities. The team’s resilience, coupled with strategic player development focused on shooting and collaboration, positions them for growth and potential success throughout the season. With a hopeful outlook, the Warriors aim to strengthen their roster and make significant progress as the season unfolds.