Boy's Basketball Is In It To Win It

Article Written by Desi Fuelberth

Norfolk High is always known for how elite its boys’ basketball program is. This year is not looking to be any different. With four of the starting players returning to the Varsity team, all of the other teams will be in for a run for their money.

Last year the boys’ varsity basketball team ended the season 17-9. Coming into this season the “Coaches Poll” put Norfolk in the top ten at number four, falling behind Papillion La-Vista, Lincoln Northeast, and Omaha Central. Last year the Panthers lost to Papillion La-Vista, 60-74, lost to Lincoln Northeast, 56-71, and lost to Omaha Central, 66-69. This year hopefully our boys will prove themselves again and work their way back to the top in the number one spot.

Panther fans are not worried at all for this season due to the return of four starters from last year. Seniors Travis Larson, Christian Eisenhauer, Lane McCallum, and Logan Strom are all coming back healthy this year to play some serious ball. Last basketball season Larson averaged 7.7 points per game, Eisenhauer averaged 4.6, McCallum averaged 10.2, and Strom averaged 16.5. The talent on the team does not stop there, though. One thing that is unique about the Panther team is how much depth it has. When the coach puts in substitutes, the fans do not worry at all because the other players are very talented as well.

One thing that is different about the team this year is the head coach. Ben Ries, the previous coach, took the job as Activities Director. Norfolk Public Schools hired Tony Siske to fill the coaching position. Siske coached basketball for Lexington the past nine years. The players seem to be adjusting very well to Siske. “I really like him. He is different than Ries, but change is good,” Larson said. Siske is also teaching PE at the Norfolk High School.

Panther fans have been patiently waiting all year for basketball season to roll around. Well, it has arrived and they will not be disappointed.

For more great articles written by NHS students, see the December 2016 Panther Newspaper!