2023 Bishop Manogue Miners Boys Basketball Season Preview

2023 Bishop Manogue Miners Boys Basketball Season Preview

By: J. Ray Dockter and Lynn Ault

2022 record: 18-12 overall, 12-4 league

Head coach: Luke Babbitt, 2nd season as head coach at Bishop Manogue

Key Losses: Jordan Morency, Logan Howren, Isaiah Garcia, Carson Jensen, Torrance DiGrazia, and Dominic Zaccheo.

Overview: The Bishop Manogue Miners are 'The Kings of The Hill' once again as we begin this season. They went on a magical run to the regional championship under the steady hand and guidance of rookie head coach Luke Babbitt last season winning 13 of their last 15 games to close the season.

As with everything in life, times change and that is no different for the Miners as they graduated six seniors who were regular contributors on their championship team that came up just short in the state tournament down in Las Vegas.

My colleague Lynn Ault asked before the season "who is going to score?" as they will need to replace 45 points per game this season.

Look for Sophomore James Williams and Junior Kaden Rowe to be the tone setters for the Miners this season, as they will be looked upon to increase their nightly scoring output if the Miners are going to have a good season.

The Miners return six players from last season's including Seniors Chase Debruin and Carter Eck, who will be expected to man the middle of the defense for the Miners.

I expect the Miners to finish in the 'Top 3' of the Northern 4A this season.

Without further ado, here is Coach Luke Babbitt's answers to our questions we asked him last month.

What can we expect from your team this season?

Offense - Three-point shooting and floor spacing.

Defense - Man-to-man.

Style of Play - Up-tempo, fast paced, [get out in] transition.

What is the key to your team's success this season?

Playing unselfish team basketball and playing great physical defense.

What is the best part of coaching high school athletics?

Working with great student-athletes.

Who do you feel are the teams to beat in the Northern 4A?

Reno, Damonte Ranch and Reed.

Projected Starting Five (Stats are reflective of last season): Sophomore James Williams (5.8 PPG, and 2 RPG), Junior Kaden Rowe (4 PPG, and 1.6 RPG), Freshman Jamahl Jackson, Sophomore Liam Sorensen, and Senior Ben Scolari (2 PPG, and 1 RPG).

Bishop Manogue's League Schedule

12/14 at Damonte Ranch

12/16 at Douglas

12/21 vs. McQueen

1/4 at Spanish Springs

1/6 at Reno

1/9 vs. Carson

1/16 at Reed

1/19 at Galena

1/23 vs. Damonte Ranch

1/25 vs. Douglas

1/27 at McQueen

1/30 vs. Spanish Springs

2/2 vs. Reno

2/6 at Carson