The Positive Outlook...

I would like to look back on a great season for both the Bronco boys’ and girls’ teams. Making it to the state tournament is a goal that most athletes set for themselves at some point in time in their careers.

I’m sure most of the girls weren’t sure how far they would go this year, especially when senior Maya Wahl was in the hospital after only a couple of games into the season.

With one less experienced starter out for the season, it meant that every player would need to step up in every practice and every game.

It was necessary to start two freshmen with another freshman getting a fair amount of playing time in key situations. This year was somewhat of a youth movement season out of necessity and because the talent is there.

It was good to see these kids step up and were key figures in some important wins. Did they make mistakes? Sure they did but so does LeBron James! But the nice thing is they love the game and after seeing them at the state tournament in Spokane I think they see themselves as participants in the near future and not spectators.

The Broncos graduate three seniors that will be difficult to replace in Dalyn Killian, Randi York and Sydney Nelson. But these players also saw themselves as freshmen and sophomores waiting their turn and giving their all when they had the chance.

Next season Jenna Bennett and Mallory Kessler will return as seniors and a lot of experience. Along with Tessa Jantz and Tommi Swannack returning for their sophomore year, the Broncos will have four of their top five scorers back for the 2014-15 season. The opportunity is there and it certainly won’t be easy with Northwest Christian, St. George’s and defending champion Colfax all returning the bulk of their talent. But hey, if it was easy it wouldn’t be the Northeast 2B.

For the boys’ team it means losing six seniors, four that were starters. Dylan Hartz, Connor O’Neill, Tyler Frederick, Ryan Whitmore, Bridger Smith and Logan Morley all played their last Bronco basketball game on March 8.

I know that most of us looked at this group when they were in the eighth grade and saw great things. But it seems like when the Broncos have a lot of talent, there are about five other communities that are loaded as well.

But going to the state tournament and winning a fifth and fourth place trophy in consecutive years is quite commendable and all Bronco fans are proud of your hard work and success.

I know that the long football seasons have taken their toll on basketball season, but what a ride football season was and there isn’t one person in this area that would have wanted a different outcome.

After the victory against Mossyrock, the six seniors had their picture taken with Coach Dustan Arlt. I know he appreciated the talent, hard work and leadership that these guys put forth. About 20 feet away were the six returning players with their arms around each other. I think this was a great view of the future looking toward next year and their chance to shine.

I asked a member of the junior class that Saturday morning if he was excited for his senior year. He said, “I can’t wait until this fall. We have a lot of talent back for football and we’re gonna be good!”

I have no doubt about the kids coming back for their senior seasons in football and basketball. They’ve been waiting for their turn getting in key minutes in football games, as well as playing JV basketball winning a lot of games. This will help them when they get their chance as varsity players.

So next year’s Broncos will be building their team around the three most experienced players returning in Cort Ruzicka, Jacob Saetre and Kyle Canaday.

There will be at least seven other spots to fill before playoff time hits. Who gets those spots will most likely be determined by the hard work that is done in the off-season as individuals and as a team.

This team can be successful if they are determined to work hard and come together as a team.

So I have a positive outlook for next year’s teams. I think they will have one too!