Matt Huhnerkoch returns to the Jaguar bench for his 4th season of coaching a bunch of kids that have worked on improving their varsity record each year since grade 9. In the past 3 seasons, only one senior was lost off of varsity, so experience this year is there.

The Jaguars, who were 4-20 last season, return Ian Engstrom (SR)who averaged 9ppg/6.7 rpg and Brady Holwerda(JR) 9.5ppg/4.8rpg. Holwerda is a fun player to watch who plays outside as a primary ball handler as well. Truly if the team was better situated at guard and controlling the basketball Holwerda could be an even more effective mid-range/interior player. He does a lot for this team.

It will be up to the other returning kids to develop and learn their roles so that the Jags can reach some loftier goals this season. Most are still juniors, so optimism is high that this will be a realistic season to be middle of the pack in conference and be competitive each and every game they play.

Renville County West opens their season vs it’s neighbor to the west Yellow Medicine East. It will provide a measuring stick immediately to see where they are headed. Dawson Boyd and Central MN Christian seem to be Camden North early favorites. Canby and Southwest MN Christian are teams also the Jags coach sees as Section favorites besides those already mentioned.

Four starters return, multiple years varsity experience, and some numbers and options on the bench this season are strengths the Jaguars have not had recently for certain. There is optimism in the air in regards to this season.

For more previews or high school basketball discussion, visit the MN Buckets Forum.