Wolves player Skyler Lofftus (No. 23) in last year's home game against the Metlakatla Chiefs.
Lady Wolves player Maddy Harding (No. 10) in last year's home game against the Craig Panthers.
Basketball season opens Dec. 4 for Wrangell's boys and girls basketball teams. While the teams are yet to meet for practice, both head coaches are optimistic about the coming season. A common theme between the coaches is the emphasis on promoting teamwork amongst their players.
The Lady Wolves had an exceptional season last year. After going 11-3 in their regular season, they took their first regional championship in 25 years. They then went to State, where their season came to an end after two narrow losses to Deanna High School and Unalaska. Coach Laurie Brown said that they had three senior players graduate last year, but the team has several returning players as well as freshmen who are showing lots of potential. Brown said that the team's goal is always to win games, but she also wants the team to really learn how to work together. Teamwork is going to be emphasized through the season.
"I'm really looking forward to the season this year," Brown said. "We're gonna look at getting team-ready."
The Wolves, the boys' team, had a hard-fought season. They won and lost equally in their regular season, going 8-8 in conference games. They were seeded third in regionals, but came home for the year after losses to Petersburg and the Haines Glacier Bears. Coach Cody Angerman said that his team is as ready as it can be in the pre-season. He encouraged his players to participate in other sports to stay in shape, and they will be seeing lots of returning players this year. One of the lessons from the last season, he said, is the importance of the team working as a cohesive unit. The key for more success this year will be increased teamwork.
"My viewpoint on basketball is that the best players are always the guys that can make their teammates the best that they can possibly be," Angerman said. "You know, get their teammates involved, make it the easiest game they can for their teammates."
Both teams will be traveling to Petersburg for their opening games on Dec. 20 and 21, followed by Rally the Regions on Jan. 3 and 4.
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