Northeast Nebraska Hoops: Howells-Dodge Boys and Girls look for returners to lead them to big seasons

Team: Howells-Dodge

Mascot: Jaguars

Colors: Green, Black, Silver

Class: D-1

Conference: East Husker

Head Coach: Kevin Janata (3rd season) (32-21 record)

2019-2020 record: 14-11 (lost to Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family in Sub-District Final)

Returning Starters: N/A

Overview:

The Howells-Dodge Boys look for a big year under 3rd year Head Coach Kevin Janata.

The Jaguars bring back a host of players, and they are

G Jacob Tomcak 6'0" Sr.

G Blake Sindelar 6’2” Jr.

P RJ Bayer 6'2" Jr.

G Gavin Nelson 5'10"Jr.

G Lance Brester 6’2” So.

P Aandy Dominguez 5’11”So.

Others likely to contribute include Sophomores Aiden Meyer (6'3) and Brittin Sindelar (5'6).

The Jaguars are young, but talented no doubt.

Howells-Dodge should be strong this year, and even better next year I would say.

Coach Janata says the team has a lot of promise. "Young team, but we have some good experience returning from last year. The team should be very competitive with the potential of going to state. We have good leadership with our senior, Jacob Tomcak, coming back with two year starters Blake Sindelar and RJ Bayer. Gavin Nelson, Aandy Dominguez, and Lance Brester all played good minutes last year, and several other underclassman have a chance to contribute."

Of course the Coronavirus Pandemic has thrown everything for a loop.

Coach Janata breaks down how it has impacted his team to this point. "The pandemic has affected every aspect of our season at this point. We had a late start for summer training as we were not allowed to have open gyms or summer league games until July. However, the kids did a great job of doing what they could on their own. So far, practice has been very interesting trying to make sure we are keeping things sanitized and safe and that the kids are wearing their masks. The masks can be a nuisance at times, but if it's what we have to do to keep the kids safe and have a season, we absolutely will do it."

Season Outlook:

Games this year will have to be played in front of just immediate household members and 25% capacity gyms.

Coach Janata says things won't be the same. "I think the atmosphere will definitely be different this year. It is disappointing we can't have full gyms and the crowds will be limited, but we will play in empty gyms as long as we can continue to play and have a season."

It's unfortunate that students sections and bands a like won't be able to be at the games, but it is what it is.

Coach Janata says the team is making the most of the situation. "The kids have been very energetic in practice. I think they realize that at any time, our season could be shut down to help stop the spread of covid. We are taking the season one day at a time, not taking anything for granted and just being grateful for every practice and game we do get to play."

I'm sure the Jaguars understand and realize that every practice, every game they play could be their last.

Howells-Dodge has to treat every game and practice extra special, and go out there and have a great season.

The Jaguars have to dedicate themselves to playing at a high level and finding a way to win close ball games and having success.

Howells-Dodge has to play with a lot of will, determination, grit, and heart each and every time out this season.

The Jaguars are in Sub-District D1-3 with Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family, Stanton, and Cedar Bluffs.

2020-2021 Howells-Dodge Jaguars Boys Basketball Schedule:

12/03/20 @ Pierce

12/04/20 Stanton

12/08/20 Aquinas Catholic

12/10/20 @ Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family

12/12/20 Oakland-Craig

12/15/20 @ West Point-Beemer

12/18/20 BRLD

12/19/20 @ Clarkson/Leigh

12/28-12/29 (To Be Determined) Mead Holiday Tournament Mead, NE

01/08/21 Humphrey St. Francis

01/09/21 @ Plainview

01/15/21 Wisner-Pilger

01/16/21 Mead

01/22/21 Tekamah-Herman

01/23/21 @ Pender

01/26/21 Battle Creek

01/30-02/06 (To Be Determined) East Husker Conference Tournament Midland

02/11/21 @ North Bend Central

02/12/21 Wakefield

02/19/21 Lutheran High Northeast

Team: Howells-Dodge

Mascot: Jaguars

Colors: Green, Black, Silver

Class: C-2

Conference: East Husker

Head Coach: Scott Polacek (29th season) (396-233 record)

2019-2020 record: 9-14 (lost to Clarkson/Leigh in Sub-District Final)

Returning Starters: N/A

Overview:

The Howells-Dodge Girls look to be a good and strong team this year under long time Head Coach Scott Polacek.

The Jaguars return players like Cassie Pieper, Riley Pokorny, Janessa Schmidt, Brooklyn Macholan, Lilly Praest, Sasha Perrin, and Jaedyn Ratzlaff.

Howells-Dodge returns quite a bit from last year's squad and has a good strong core group of newcomers as well.

I look for the Jaguars to be much improved from their 9-14 records of the past two seasons.

Of course the Coronavirus Pandemic has complicated things for everyone this year.

Coach Polacek says his team was still able to go up against some quality competition over the summer. "The pandemic messed with our entire summer, but it turned out to be good and bad at times. It affected the weight room and stopped all the camps which we had scheduled. However, we were able to host a team camp with Pender and Wynot. Both are top-notch teams, so that camp was a bonus for us. We also attended Gretna's camp and played some tough teams there. We got plenty of individual work in, which was better than in past years."

I think seeing that level of competition over the summer is only going to help strengthen and bolster Howells-Dodge this season.

Season Outlook:

The Howells-Dodge Girls, like everyone else across the state, will have to play in front of just immediate household members and 25% capacity gyms this season.

Coach Polacek shares his outlook on the situation. "While the noise may be down a bit, the way we play the game won't change. I am very happy that family members can see their daughters play. Hopefully the others have a little internet access so they can tune in from time to time from their home."

The Jaguars will have to create their own energy and spark, and find some will from within to perform at a high level.

Coach Polacek says the team is excited for the beginning of the season as usual. "The excitement of the first week never changes, no matter whom you return for letterwinners, seniors, or in the middle of rebuilding. Week 1 is fun, because the sky's the limit."

I think Howells-Dodge has a great chance to be successful this year.

It should be a fun filled, action packed, and entertaining season full of memories and laughs for the Jaguars this year.

Howells-Dodge is in Sub-District C2-3 with GACC, Wisner-Pilger, and Tekamah-Herman.

2020-2021 Howells-Dodge Jaguars Girls Basketball Schedule: