By Coach Dennis Phelps
The 2021-2022 Junior High Basketball season was very successful for a number of reasons.
We did finish with a 12-0 record for “A” games and a 7-5 record for “B” games. These young men played hard each and every game and practiced at a high level throughout the year.
I am so proud of their efforts to improve as basketball players but even more important, they grew as teammates and respected competitors. I feel so blessed to have been a part of their lives.
8th graders who finished the season are Brady Boulton, Broox Stockman, Luke Erselius, Luke Brennan, Isaac Wedgewood, Cade Stone, Peyton Tindle, Blake Smith, Damien Knox, and Caleb Ragsdale.
I believe they can provide for continued success for Monte basketball as they move into varsity play. If they continue to practice, play and improve over the next several years, they will provide an exciting brand of basketball. Several of these 8th graders played in “A” and “B” games.
7th graders who completed the season are Dane Strong, Rhett Pargeon, Easton Hudnut, Linkin Bru, and Casey DeZwarte. These young players gained a great deal of experience over the past season.
As with the 8th graders, I was able to observe both in practice and in games their improvement and a commitment to becoming better basketball players.
Several of these players played in both the “A” and “B” games. They have gained experience as they become the main body to the 2022-2023 “A” game team.
As with every season, there are many people to thank for their support and making me feel welcomed back into the Montezuma Basketball program, into the school, and into the community.
I first want to thank the parents and families for support at games along with helping with scorebook, clock and other duties. This type of support does not happen at every school district. T
Thank you to Coach Dengler and the varsity coaching staff along with Coach Burgess and the women’s varsity coach staff. Doug Helm was so helpful throughout the year.
Thanks to Tim Burgess, Activities Director, and the Montezuma administration, staff and custodial staff. I felt welcomed and part of the school/community.
Special thanks to Joe Strong for devoting his time to help despite a heavy work schedule. And finally, to Big Al for encouraging me to not only look into the junior high coaching position but to take the chance.
It was a season that more than fulfilled my expectations. Again thank you and God Bless.
(Editor’s note: Coach Phelps also compiled an extensive statistics book for the players).