Team: Pender
Mascot: Pendragons
Colors: Red and White
Class: C-2
Conference: East Husker
Head Coach: Luke Hoffman (4th Season) (40-37 record)
2019-2020 record: 17-12 (lost to Pleasanton in 1st round of State)
Returning Starters: N/A
Overview:
The Pender Girls figure to be really good once again this year after making State a year ago.
The Pendragons are in C-2 this year, which makes a postseason run more challenging than when Pender was in D-1 a year ago.
Key returners from last year include Reese Kneifl, Caitlyn Heise, Zoey Lehmkuhl, Ashley Ostrand, Skyler Prokop, Lillie Timm, Claire Felber, Olyvia Nelson, and Dawson Anderson.
The Pendragons bring back quite a few players from last year's team, and figure to have another solid campaign this season.
The Coronavirus Pandemic has altered things, however. But 4th year Head Coach Luke Hoffman says things are that way for everybody. "Obviously things are different because of the coronavirus, but it is that way for everyone. The only thing we can do is adapt and overcome as we work our way through the differences as a team."
The good news is the season is starting on time so that is definitely a promising thing for Pender.
On the downside, the Pendragons will have to play in front of just immediate household members and 25% capacity gyms, at least to start.
Season Outlook:
It will be interesting to see how the smaller crowd sizes affect things for Pender this season.
Coach Hoffman says the girls will have to adapt and adjust, but at least they're playing. "Playing in front of immediate family members only will be an adjustment for everyone, but if that is what it takes for the girls to get on the floor then I'm all for it. We will definitely have to create an atmosphere among our team that will give the girls on the floor the extra boost of energy that a large crowd would provide."
The Pendragons will have to find some strength and will from within that is for sure.
Coach Hoffman says he's excited for the season to start. "The excitement/business side of me is evident as we go into every season. It's an enjoyment for me to watch the girls grow as athletes and as individuals that will hopefully make an impact in their community someday partially because of the skills and thought process we have instilled into them during our time together."
That's definitely a key thing to remember....that these girls and kids are learning life lessons from High School Sports that will lay a foundation for their future.
While winning and success is nice, doing well in the classroom and having a positive impact in the community is also very important.
Pender is in Sub-District C2-4 with BRLD, Wakefield, and Omaha Nation.
I look for that Sub-District to come down to the Wolverines and Pendragons like it did for Volleyball, and think both teams have a great shot of returning to Sub-State.
2020-2021 Pender Pendragons Girls Basketball Schedule:
12/03/20 Wakefield
12/04/20 @ Tekamah-Herman
12/08/20 Winnebago
12/10/20 @ Lutheran High Northeast
12/11/20 Oakland-Craig
12/15/20 Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family
12/19/20 @ Stanton
12/22/20 @ BRLD
12/28-12/30 (To Be Determined) Wayne State Holiday Wayne State College/Wayne High School
01/04/21 @ Wynot
01/08/21 North Bend Central
01/12/21 Homer
01/14/21 Omaha Nation
01/16/21 Clarkson/Leigh
01/21/21 @ Wisner-Pilger
01/23/21 Howells-Dodge
01/25/21 @ Madison
01/26/21 Tri County Northeast
01/29-02/06 (To Be Determined) East Husker Conference Tournament Midland University
02/09/21 @ Guardian Angels Central Catholic
No comments:
Post a Comment