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Senior-laden Trojans open with conference tilt

The Whitehall High School boys basketball team will jump right into conference play when they open the season Saturday, January 2 with a 5B District road matchup at Big Timber.

Not only will this be the opening game for the senior-laden Trojans, but it will also be the first game at the helm for new head coach Mike Moulchin who had previously served in the top position for the women's program at Clark High School in Las Vegas.

Moulchin who was hired in May said COVID has made this a season like no other and the team had a limited open gym schedule with several scrimmages being canceled.

He feels the way the Trojans responded to the challenge has been magnificent.

"All the players have worked hard during the skills workouts and have a great understanding of what we need to do to have a successful season. The rate of improvement by each player in the program is measured by their hard work and hustle, as well as their great determination to improve and learn the game," he said. "We have had team bonding talks that have brought this group of talented young men closer to each other, which is bringing us closer to being a basketball family. I have stressed mental toughness and their never-ending belief in their abilities, individually and as a team. We also have a saying here-don't be afraid to be great and don't be afraid to make a big play. With all this beginning to come together, mentally and physically I have never been prouder of a group of young men -- they are very close to reaching my expectations as to where we need to be."

Whitehall officially started practice on December 7 and Moulchin feels things have been going well with the practices paced with drill and instruction that he and Assistant Coach Carlie (Jessop) feel will get the team where t they should be to have a successful conference season.

With a returning senior class that includes Dylan Smith, Flint Smith, Hayden Hoagland, Kenzie Hugulet, and Mason Alexander, Moulchin said the leadership has been great.

"The seniors have been asked to mentor the younger players and help them with their growth and development. The results of this have been very beneficial for both sides. The response from the players to the coaching staff has been great. We are keeping it simple, basically improving on the system they have played over the years," he said.

The Trojans will also return all-conference junior Brendan Wagner who played a pivotal role in Whitehall finishing third at the 5B District Tournament and advancing to the play-in game at the Southern B Divisional Tournament.

Looking towards the opener Saturday, Moulchin thinks it is unfortunate they have to dive into conference with no pre-season tournament or non-conference games.

"This is the challenge presented to us due to COVID and we will accept all challenges presented to us this season," he said. "Big Timber is a well-coached team full of talented players that do what they do with their style of play very well. I have also heard that it is a tight gym and a very tough place to play. I am very excited as is the team for this great challenge and we are ready to go."

 

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