Even though the Barnum Bombers lost their entire starting lineup and their top reserves from last year's section finals team, their goals remain the same.
"As with any team at the start of a new season, we have goals to get to the state tournament," mentioned Bomber coach Rich Newman. "I think you always have to dream and hope."
Lost to graduation were three-year starter at point guard Josh Earlywine, three-point shooter Dylan Eggen, the extremely athletic Curtis Houle, their solid presence in the middle with Kyle Grimm as well as Mike Gilliuson, Alex Johnson and Jake Waseen.
"We are going to take it one practice at a time," explained Newman. "It will be one game at a time and we'll strive to get better every day."
Despite the big losses the Bombers do return some players who have seen valuable playing time. Look for senior forward Erik Johnson, senior guard Frankie Barrios, senior forward Kyle Duesler and juniors Nick White and Austin Haley to be among the starters.
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"We are excited about the upcoming season," commented Newman. "In the past we have always returned two to three starters, but this year we will be involved in a lot of teaching and trying to find a system our team can be successful with. We feel our sub-section will be tough with Cromwell and Isle coming into the season with solid teams. Looking at the whole section, Bertha-Hewitt and Sebeka also should be tough."
