It was a season to remember last year for the T’Wolves as they finished 27-2, but fell to South Ridge in the subsection semi-finals. Coach Tom McDonald begins his 28th year in coaching and will have a different look on his squad this year.

All five starters and two of the top reserves have graduated, so there are just four kids who return with varsity experience. Elliot Omerza 3.2ppg and Jeffrey Willis 2.5ppg/2.4rpg are seniors. Spencer Gaulke 4.7ppg/2.8rpg and Michael Lah 3.9ppg/3.3rpg are the juniors back. Ely JV did have 19 victories last year so some of those kids will be expected to step in and play right away.

Big games for Ely early are two of the tougher teams in Northeast Minnesota this season will be vs Mountain Iron-Buhl and Northwoods. These two squads plus International Falls will likely be looking as teams to win the Arrowhead Conference this season. Coach McDonald believe Fond du Lac is the favorite in the section as they have almost everyone back, but MIB and Northwoods also capable.

Coach McDonald has a career record of 403-257 and has been around the game long enough to know how to handle this years team and make things work out. They will be young and undersized, but team speed will be adequate. Getting the squad to be competitive as soon as possible is an early goal.

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