Basketball season starts for the bulldogs

After a disappointing loss in the sub-state game last year, the team is eager to get their season started.

“It should be a really good season this year. We have a solid team and all the boys want to work hard,” junior Oliver Bakeris said.

Bakeris played varsity last year as a sophomore and said the team will feel different this year after losing so many seniors. His senior teammate, Lucas Hayes, agreed.

“Last year, the seniors were a big part of the game. However, I’m confident my teammates will step up and we can bounce back,” Hayes said.

Looking ahead, the pair said their main goals for this season are to first win the Mississippi Athletic Conference title and then qualify for state. They have been preparing during the off season with open gyms and team conditioning to get ready for the upcoming games.

“We have a tough schedule at the beginning with games against Cedar Rapids Washington, Linn-Mar and Iowa City West. We just need to stick together as a team and work hard at practice to win,” Hayes said.

“I’m confident that the team will do better than expected...we just need to give it our all,” sophomore Tynan Numkena said.

The Bulldogs first game will be Thursday, Dec. 5, at Bettendorf.