Team: Clarkson/Leigh
Mascot: Patriots
Colors: Red, Blue, Gray
Class: C-2
Conference: East Husker
Head Coach: Jeff Bachman 4th season) (18-46 record)
2019-2020 record: 8-14 (lost to Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family in Sub-Districts)
Returning Starters: 4
Overview:
The Clarkson/Leigh Boys look to improve upon last year's 8 wins, a season in which the Patriots did some nice things.
4 starters return for 4th year Head Coach Jeff Bachman, and they are Jarred Novotny (6'1, JR F/G), who averaged 15 points a game last year, Carter Hanel (6'4, JR C), Lance Paprocki (5'9, SR G), and Eli Hays (5'7, JR G).
Other returning letterwinners/newcomers include Kyle Kasik (5'10, SO G), Mitch Beeson (6'0, JR F), Trevor Zulkoski (6'1, SR F), Mason Whitmore (6'2, SO F/G), Logan Schroeder (5'7, JR G), Gavin Novotny (5'6, JR G), and Kyan Schnelle (6'3, JR C).
A lot of talent back for the Patriots this season, and Clarkson/Leigh would be even stronger if they had Tommy McEvoy and Drew Beeson, but both players will miss the entire season due to injury.
Coach Bachman says the Coronavirus Pandemic has thrown everything for a loop. "Things have been very different, we missed out on a lot of gym time with the guys this summer. They did a great job of completing 'Shooting Challenges' at home, but it's not the same as being able to be with them in the gym. As we are in practice and preparing for the season we have stressed the importance of wearing masks and following the required guidelines so we can continue to play. The guys have done a great job of being diligent and have shown they truly want to play."
The Patriots have high expectations this year, and Coach Bachman is expecting big things. "Should be a coming of age season for us. Lots of experience and opportunity to be successful."
It certainly sounds like a lot of teams in the area are going to be very good this year both boys and girls so let's hope there's a season, however and whatever that looks like.
Season Outlook:
The Clarkson/Leigh Boys, like everyone else, will have to play their games in front of just immediate household members and 25% gym capacity.
Coach Bachman tells KTIC Sports things won't be the same, but everyone will simply have to adapt. "It will definitely be different. We have great community support at Clarkson-Leigh and will miss seeing some of our supporters who are with us at every game. I truly feel bad for some of our grandparents and community members who are die hard supporters who won't be able to attend. I am extremely thankful that we have a great stream team that will provide an opportunity for them to watch at home. Our players will have to bring the extra energy that is created by our crowd."
Find some energy and enthusiasm from within, that's exactly what the Patriots will have to do this season.
Coach Bachman says the season will have a different feel to it, but he's just thankful there is one. "I am very excited the season is here and that we are able to play. It will definitely be like no other season we have participated in. The important thing right now is we are in the gym, giving the players an opportunity to participate in this activity."
The most important thing is to have a season, however and whatever that looks like, in a safe manner of course.
I think there will be a season of some sort, it's just a matter of what it will look like.
Clarkson/Leigh is in C-2 this year so the jump will be a challenge come postseason time no doubt.
The Patriots are in Sub-District C2-3 with GACC, Oakland-Craig, Wisner-Pilger, and Tekamah-Herman.
2020-2021 Clarkson/Leigh Patriots Boys Basketball Schedule:
12/04/20 @ Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family
12/05/20 Madison
12/08/20 @ Oakland-Craig
12/10/20 @ Winside
12/11/20 BRLD
12/19/20 Howells-Dodge
12/22/20 @ Columbus Lakeview
12/28-12/29 (To Be Determined) Shelby-Rising City Public School Shelby
01/05/21 @ Aquinas Catholic
01/08/21 Pierce Site: Tyson Event Center Tyson Event Center
01/09/21 @ Tekamah-Herman
01/15/21 Humphrey St. Francis
01/16/21 @ Pender
01/21/21 @ Twin River
01/22/21 Pender
01/26/21 @ Wisner-Pilger
01/29-02/06 (To Be Determined) East Husker Conference Tournament TBD
02/11/21 @ Stanton
02/12/21 @ East Butler
02/19/21 David City
Team: Clarkson/Leigh
Mascot: Patriots
Colors: Red, Blue, Gray
Class: C-2
Conference: East Husker
Head Coach: Matt Murren (8th season) (85-82 record)
2019-2020 record: 20-6 (lost to Oakland-Craig at State)
Returning Starters: N/A
Overview:
The Clarkson/Leigh Girls look to build off last year's success when they made the State Tournament for the first time in Co-Op History.
Plenty of talent is back for 8th year Head Coach Matt Murren, including Cassidy Hoffman 12 6’ P, Kennedy Settje 11 5’7 G, Kayden Schumacher 12 5’8 P, Alissa Kasik 12 5’5 G, Bailey Lemburg 12 5’5 G, Faith Indra 11 5’4 G, and Emily Loseke 12 5’4 G.
Others who could contribute include Chloe Hanel 9 5’9 P and Makenna Held 11 5’7 G.
Coach Murren identifies his team's strengths. "Defense, transition offense, returning 6 players in rotation from 19-20."
Coach Murren adds consistency in scoring is a weakness. I thought the Patriots improved in that area last year though.
Coach Murren says the kids have adapted and adjusted to the Coronavirus Pandemic despite how difficult its been. "The pandemic has made all high school athletics make adjustments. In the summer we were only allowed to get shots up initially, then progressed allowing a few scrimmages but we are making the best of all the situations. The goal of all adjustments that we make are to allow the athletes the opportunity to play and compete. Individually all kids have their own water bottles and we limit use of fountains. We temperature check before practice. We are trying to do all we can to keep the kids safe and give them the opportunity they deserve."
The Patriots got through and experienced things during the Volleyball Season, and went on to do very well, and I feel like Clarkson/Leigh could make another run in Basketball this year as well.
Coach Murren says his team has the pieces and tools in place for that to happen. "The Patriots are coming off their first state tournament berth in school history in 2020. They return 3 of their 5 starters from that team and 6 of the top 8 players in that rotation. They will be lead by 3 time letter winner and 2 year starter Cassidy Hoffman who should have the ability to handle the post. Leading scorer junior Kennedy Settje is back for the Patriots and looks to have a break out junior season as one of the best shooters in the class. They should have a strong inside presence with Schumacher and Hanel as well as guards that can really shoot the ball from the perimeter in with Kasik, Lemburg and Indra. Consistency in their scoring will be a main key for the Patriots but the ability to score the ball is there."
Season Outlook:
The Clarkson/Leigh Girls, like everyone else, will be playing in front of just immediate household family members and 25% gym capacity at games.
Coach Murren says playing is what matters most. "As long as the kids have the opportunity to play, we will be happy with whomever is allowed to attend. The gym may be a little less full but the kids will still get the experience they deserve if they are able to take the court. We have some great parents here at Clarkson-Leigh and they will make sure to make the games fun for the kids if it is household members only. That is the great thing about our schools and teams is that we have a great group of adults that all get along and will do all they can to make it the best experience for the kids during the games that they can."
I have no doubt that the Patriots will make the most of whatever situation they are faced with.
Coach Murren says he and the team are very excited that the season is here. "When we started the year I was just hoping we'd get to the winter season with a chance to play. Now we are here and it feels great to start practice and have the team back together. We need to make sure we do everything we can precautionary to keep the season going and we will. It is going to be a fun season for the girls. They have put in a lot of work to get to the spot we currently are and they deserve the chance to showcase all that work."
Let's hope there is a season of some sort and Clarkson/Leigh gets the chance to make another State run this season.
The Patriots are in Sub-District C2-6 with Lutheran High Northeast, Norfolk Catholic, Stanton, and Madison.
It should be a fun and exciting year for Clarkson/Leigh to say the least!
2020-2021 Clarkson/Leigh Patriots Girls Basketball Schedule:
12/04/20 @ Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family
12/05/20 Madison
12/08/20 @ Oakland-Craig
12/10/20 @ Winside
12/11/20 BRLD
12/15/20 David City
12/19/20 Howells-Dodge
12/22/20 @ Columbus Lakeview
12/28-12/29 (To Be Determined) Shelby-Rising City Public School Shelby
01/05/21 @ Aquinas Catholic
01/08/21 East Butler
01/09/21 @ Tekamah-Herman
01/15/21 Humphrey St. Francis
01/16/21 @ Pender
01/21/21 @ Twin River
01/22/21 Lutheran High Northeast
01/26/21 @ Wisner-Pilger
01/29-02/06 (To Be Determined) East Husker Conference Tournament Midland University
02/09/21 @ Pierce
02/11/21 @ Stanton
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