With a sixth year of the Allen/Emerson-Hubbard co-op nearing the start of their season, the Tri County Northeast boys basketball team will be made up of 17 players.
The Wolfpack will be under new leadership of first year head coach Austin Coffman but was previously the head girls coach at Potter-Dix for the past two seasons and served as an assistant the year prior before taking over.
"We went to multiple team camps and played in a summer league," said Coffman. "Had really good numbers at all of them. Once football season finished, we had really good numbers of boys finding a gym and starting the process of getting ready for basketball."
Coach Coffman was also a girls assisstant at Pender totaling two sesaons and served in several other coaching roles over a three-year period at Potter-Dix (JH football HC, assistant varsity football, JH girls baskestball HC, head JH track coach and assistant varsity track coach).
Joining coach Coffman at Tri County Northeast will be Gil Ridenour and Lukas Oswald.
This year's seniors are Thatcher Lamp and Devin Reinert.
The implementation of a new style of play was being addressed during the first week of practices which began on Nov. 17. The coaches are wanting the boys to transition to playing fast and pushing the floor. TCNE is also starting from the ground up on the defensive side and focusing on being elite in their man defense.
"As us coaches we want things to be better for the kids," said Coffman. "Looking to be better than five wins last year (5-17) and show we are a competitive team in our conference, let alone the state. Put our school on the map and show that there are great athletes that come from Tri County Northeast."
The Wolfpack did lose one of their leading scorers off last year's team.
Coach Coffman will be looking for more individuals to step up and not be afraid to score.
"The more shots up the better," said Coffman. "Also looking for one of the kids to be a true leader on defense. One that knows what's going on and is helping their teammates communicate."
Coach Coffman also highlighted a few top returners:
Thatcher Lamp: "a senior and I'm looking for him to continue his leadership role and become a dominant player. A player that can score from anywhere when needed."
Landyn Servine: "is one of our best shooters. I want him to always be looking to shoot when he catches the ball and I think he will."
Atlee Anderson: "a great leader as a junior. I’m looking for him to be my other leader but also be our 'big man'. It is a big responsibility for him since he isn't the tallest or biggest. But the kid loves to rebound and wants his teammates to succeed."
He's also excited for all the freshmen and sophomores with plenty of young talent. This group will get some sort of playing time throughout the year.
Thatcher Lamp, a senior for the Wolfpack will play most positions including point guard, shooting guard and even center at times.
He first picked up the sport in third grade.
"We have been working on playing faster," said Lamp. "Since we are a smaller team we have to be able to get up and down the court quickly and get great looks every time. You have to be willing to work hard if you want to be successful."
Thatcher Lamp added that a team goal is to increase their win total and he is excited to go out and perform for the Wolfpack fans.
"We love to see so many fans in the stands when we aren’t the home team," said Lamp. "It shows us that we have some of the best supporters around and it truly means a lot so keep showing up and supporting us. Go Pack."
A short-term goal the coaches are looking to achieve would be to start off 1-0 and then build on every game.
Wolfpack fans will get their first action to see TCNE taking on an opponent on Dec. 1 hosting Lyons-Decatur Northeast during a jamboree starting with the girls game at 6 p.m. (boys to follow) in Emerson.
The Wolfpack will start their year at Randolph on Dec. 4.
"Know what our role and jobs are." said Coffman. "Being able to trust our teammates to do their job and know what our role is as an individual. Playing together and being on the same page will also make sure we are ready."
Early home outings include in Allen on Dec. 5 against Bloomfield followed by a home contest in Emerson on Dec. 12 with Laurel-Conconrd-Coleridge.
Coach Coffman closed with he's excited for the season to begin.
" I know there is a lot of community support here and I'm hoping to give back to the community by showing all your support means something by winning games," said Coffman. "It's a new beginning here, I’m excited to see what develops and comes of this season. We have a lot of talent, we are going to piece things together and get the kids going in the right direction."
