Emerson-Hubbard Boys look to be improved in Korus's second year

Team: Emerson-Hubbard

Mascot: Pirates

Colors: Purple, Gold, and White

Class: D-1

Conference: Lewis and Clark

Head Coach: Jeff Korus (2nd season)

2014-2015 record: 6-17 (lost to Walthill in Sub Districts)

Returning Starters: 2

Overview:

The Emerson-Hubbard Pirates are hoping to be more competitive than they were a year ago when they went just 6-17.

Two starters return for Head Coach Jeff Korus, and they are Tyler Haberman (6'1 SR) and Tyler Emmons (6'1 SR).

Another letterwinner who could play a significant role for Coach Korus's squad is Austin Ostrand (5'6 SR).

Rounding out the starting five for Emerson-Hubbard is Josh Sebade (5'10 SO) and Blake Eriksen (5'9 SO).

It's unclear if returning letterwinner Taylor Donner (5'9 JR) will play this season or not as he is currently out with an injury sustained during the football season.

Korus feels Jacob Kneifl (6'0 FR) and Keaton Wriedt (5'9 SO) are newcomers who could make an impact for his team.

Korus adds his squad mainly lost depth from a year ago.

Korus discusses what kind of offense and defense his team runs. "Transition and whatever defense gives us the best chance to win."

Certainly getting out and running is a recipe for success offensively. Korus says his team has a number of strengths. "Transition Offense, Leadership, Positive Attitude, and Work Ethic."

Korus adds that a lack of depth and youth are team weaknesses.

The Pirates are going to have to grow up quickly if they want to win this year. Emerson-Hubbard also has to be in good physical shape as it appears their bench will be fairly thin.

Certain players may be asked to go the distance night in and night out, and need to be ready for the grind and rigors of the season.

The Pirates had a good football season so certainly there is the potential for these players to be good in basketball as well.

Emerson-Hubbard has a proud basketball tradition, and the players have to live up to expectations and play the way Pirates' teams of the past have played.

Season Outlook:

Emerson-Hubbard has high expectations this season like they do every year I'm sure. Korus lays out those expectations. "Expect to be competitive, being 2nd year in program."

Players should certainly be accustomed to Korus's way of doing things by now, and should know the offense and defensive sets better this year than last.

Korus says he's ready for the season. "Looking forward to see how much better we can become."

The Pirates will face their challenges this year, including games against Bancroft-Rosalie, Hartington-Newcastle, Winnebago, Wynot, Homer, Randolph, and Walthill.

Emerson-Hubbard really struggled at the beginning and end of last season. That means the Pirates have to be much more consistent this year to have a better season.

Emerson-Hubbard opens the year in the Northeast Nebraska Tip-Off Classic Friday and Saturday.


2015-2016 Emerson-Hubbard Pirates Boys Basketball Schedule:

12/04-12/05	(To Be Determined)							NEN Tip-Off Classic	Wisner-Pilger HS/GACC
12/08/15	Bancroft-Rosalie	D2
12/11/15	Laurel-Concord-Coleridge	C2
12/14/15	@ Hartington-Newcastle	C2
12/18/15	Ponca	C2
12/19/15	Winside	D2
12/29-12/30	(To Be Determined)							Omaha Nation Holiday Touranment	Macy
01/08-01/09	(To Be Determined)							Bob Clough Post Holiday	Emerson-Hubbard
01/12/16	@ Winnebago	C2
01/16/16	@ Wynot	D2
01/19/16	Homer	C2
01/22/16	@ Wakefield	C2
01/26/16	Pender	D1
01/28/16	Allen	D1
01/29-02/08	(To Be Determined)							Lewis and Clark Conference Tournament	TBA/TBA
02/09/16	Randolph	D1
02/12/16	@ Walthill	D1
02/19/16	Lyons-Decatur Northeast	D1