The LHS boys’ basketball team has a tough act to follow. Last year, the Patriots were ranked 42^nd in the nation with a record of 25-0. They defeated their opponents by an average of 20.2 points per game throughout the season, a truly dominating performance. This year, the team hopes to continue to run the show in South Dakota basketball. "Our team last year was successful," Tom Mettler said, "and we hope to keep that legacy going."

That is not going to be an easy job. The Patriots are starting from scratch this year, having lost 11 seniors, including all five starters. Derek Carlson, 09’ led the team last year in points (13.7 points per game) as well as rebounds (6.6). Almir Krdzalic, 09’ also contributed with a solid 5 assists and 3.6 steals per game. These players have graduated and the big question now is, who is next? Who will be the players to put up big numbers in big games?

"Our biggest challenge will be our lack of experience," Collin Kjose said. "But that should not be a problem after the first week or so because everyone will get a fair amount of playing time."

Team chemistry, an important factor in any championship team, was a key component in last year’s team. This year is no different. Tom Mettler knows that the players will work well together. "We are all friends on and off the court," he said, "the juniors and sophomores who are moving up to play varsity have already played with us, so we know each others strengths and weaknesses."

The team has five returning players this year. They include guards Dominique Murphey, Houston Hoffman, Tom Mettler, and forwards Collin Kjose and Greg Harner. All five of these players are seniors and hungry for another successful season.

"Our goal is to win another state championship." Kjose said, "Anything short of that is failure."

The players are not the only ones craving a championship. Jeff Halseth is counting on a successful season as well.

Halseth, a longtime assistant at Lincoln, has replaced Robin Burgard as the new boys’ basketball head coach. He has coached the school’s sophomore team for the past 10 years. Greg Harner believes that Halseth’s coaching style is exactly what the team needs.

"Halseth is a great fit for the patriot basketball program," Harner said.

"He has us running a ton of drills that get us used to everyone’s set of skills. He really stresses the in your face defense, and getting the ball up and down the floor."

Houston Hoffman is also excited about working with his new coach.

"He is a great competitive coach and also a great person," Hoffman said, "I’m really looking forward to him as the new coach."

Halseth was Hoffman’s gym teacher in middle school and is familiar with a lot of the other players on the team.

"He’s been involved with Lincoln basketball for years, has watched all of us play, and has gotten to know each of us as individuals," Mettler said, "He is a great coach and knows what it takes to be successful and win."

The stage is set for another amazing season, and the players feel good with what they have to offer.

"We’re really going to surprise people since not a lot of people expect much from us," Harner said.

Kjose believes that getting a considerable amount of playing time will take a little getting used to.

"None of us played in games last year," Kjose said, "When we play in our first games, the pace will be faster than we are used to, but after a few games, we will get the hang of it."

Although the pace might be a little shaky for the players early in the season, Houston Hoffman is confident that the team will get past that, and promises the fans another amazing season.

"We are going to push ourselves everyday at practice, and bring our best game, every game."