Men's Basketball Season Preview
With half of the team returning from last year, the Rustlers Men's Basketball team hopes to make a step that the team has not made in years, win the first game at provincials. The last three years, the Rustlers have lost the opening game, relegating them to the consolation bracket. The keys to success this year Head Coach Sheray Thomas says are having experience and avoiding injuries. With having players who have been to provincials numerous times, Thomas hopes that the veteran players will be able to pass on the knowledge and experience gained from these games to the younger players and lead to an opening round win at Provincials for the Rustlers.
Leading the way for the Rustlers are returning players Artavis Holiday and Terrell Murdaugh. Both players have played key roles for the Rustlers in recent years and they will once again be looked towards to provide leadership, experience and scoring.
With five new players coming in, Coach Thomas is looking forward to seeing what the new players can bring to the team. Incoming players include two international players, bringing the Rustlers total to four. Coach Thomas hopes that having four international players, while only being allowed to dress three each week, will create a highly competitive atmosphere in practice, as players will be fighting for jerseys.
With training camp and the new season just around the corner, Coach Thomas is looking forward to the new adventures that come with each team and each season, with the end goal, winning provincials and making it to nationals remaining the same.