Proffitt looks for third-year improvement
DUSTIN HENGGELER/DAILY FORUM
The 2017-2018 Northeast Nodaway boys basketball team is front: Nathan Schieber, Drew Wiederholt, Rory Bredlow, Cameron Staple, Ethan Adwell and Chet Spire; back: Dylan Vore, Eli Scroggie, Spencer Wier, Mitchell Sherry, and Levi Boulting. Not pictured are Dylan Mildfeldt, Brayden Welch, Reed McIntyre and Chace Atkins.
Striking a little below .500 at the conclusion of both the season and conference last year, Northeast Nodaway coach Vance Proffitt is hoping his near-complete roster can be the cornerstone for an improved year in 2017.
The team faces the loss of Rowdy West and Andrew Freemyer, who were both heavy contributors to the team, but the return of seniors Eli Scroggie, Dylan Mildfeldt and Brayden Welch; juniors Spencer Weir and Chet Spire; and sophomore Mitchell Sherry make a strong core for the team to build from.
“This season could be one of the better seasons that we have had at Northeast Nodaway in a long time,” Proffitt said. “With our experience returning from the last few years we are set to be extremely competitive in every game that we play.”
The team’s 11-14 record and 5-8 conference finish ended in the opening round of districts to Mound City.
The Bluejays of last season lacked depth then, but many of those players return with another season under their belt. If they can truly build off what they accomplished last season, this could be a successful year for Northeast Nodaway.
“This year’s team will be experienced and athletic,” said Proffitt of his returning squad. “We will plan on using these two tools to our advantage with push other teams and move up and down the floor quickly.”
While the team will miss the athleticism and ball movement brought on by West and Freemyer, Scroggie’s size, Mildfeldt’s speed and the added talents from the rest of them will equip Proffitt’s squad with more than enough to handle most teams they’ll face in the regular season.
Assisting Proffitt in his third year with the Bluejays is James Mattson, also in his third year with the team. The two of them will be looking to the senior leaders for assistance in guiding the team.
“Our seniors will hopefully lead this team to the best season Northeast Nodaway has had in a long time,” Proffitt said. “I’d like for us to improve on wins from last year and be toward the top of what will be a very difficult conference.”
Other players to join the squad this season include junior Dylan Vore; sophomores Nathan Schieber, Rory Bredlow, Ethan Adwell, and Reed McIntyre; and freshmen Drew Wiederholt, Levi Boulting, and Chace Atkins.
The Bluejays kick off their season Nov. 21 on the road against Albany before taking part in the Platte Valley Invitational Tournament the very next week.
