We did a much better job of taking care of the basketball and moving it around. The boys did a great job of communicating on defense, hedging screens, and I think that was the difference in the second half.”

Head Boys Basketball Coach Nichols

However, one thing that has stood out to me is that our bench is more vocal and cheering on their teammates during the game. Our C team and JV made our two away games feel like home because of how loud and engaged they were.”

Head Coach Nichols

Opening its season with two games days apart, the Orioles now have a 1 - 1 record, falling to Elk Mound in overtime 58 - 53 on Nov. 28 before rebounding to win against Colby 74 - 58 on Nov. 30. Orioles Head Coach Dakota Nichols shared some thoughts after the game.

“We played very well in the first half, and went into halftime with a 12 point lead, Nichols said. “In the second half, we had some turnovers and didn’t shoot as well. Elk Mound took a 2 point lead before Henry Hoel hit a corner 3 with 8 seconds left. After the timeout, Elk Mound attacked the hoop and got to the free throw line, going 1 of 2 and sending it to overtime. We ended up losing 58-53 in overtime.”

Contributing to the Oriole score chart at Elk Mound were 16 points and 19 rebounds by Henry Hoel, while Haydn Gustafson added 16 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists. Landon Karlen made 2 two pointers, while Riley Weltzin, Carter Isenberger, and Charlie Hoel also contributed to the Oriole score chart, the game coming out 58 - 53 in the Mounders favor.

Speaking of the better result at Colby on Thursday, Coach Nichols shared that, “We did a much better job of taking care of the basketball and moving it around. The boys did a great job of communicating on defense, hedging screens, and I think that was the difference in the second half.” Contributing to the ultimate 74 - 58 score in the Orioles favor at Colby were 29 points and 22 rebounds by Henry Hoel, while Haydn Gustafson had 18 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists. Landon Karlen added 18 points and 4 rebounds, with JJ Heller also contributing to the score. Looking forward Coach Nichols noted the vocal cheering.

“It’s very early yet, we still have a lot to work on,” he said of the season. “However, one thing that has stood out to me is that our bench is more vocal and cheering on their teammates during the game. Our C team and JV made our two away games feel like home because of how loud and engaged they were.”