Basketball’s big advantage at home

New Ulm Basketball has become a powerhouse in the last couple of years. Last season the team finished with a 23-5 record and 5-1 at home and made it all the way to the Section Championship, ultimately losing to Mankato East. This year they are 18-5 and went 5-1 at home.

Before coach Dennis came to town, the Eagles were less than spectacular, usually winning fewer than 10 games every year. But Dennis has brought a new attitude to the Basketball program and the school as a whole with the slogan “Seatbelt,” which means to lock in and get it done.

“Coach Dennis has made our program one of the best in the state since coming here and he pushes us every day during practice to be the best we can and never give up no matter what’s happening because ultimately Basketball will end and these are good things to have in the real world,” junior scoring sensation Colton Benson said.

In the last two seasons, the Eagles have a record of 10-2 at home and many players contribute that success in no small measure to the Eagles Squadron, which always shows up strong for home contests.

“At the times we need it the Squadron is always very loud and can switch the momentum from their team to ours,” James Osbourne said.  “When our bench chants ‘seatbelt’ they also chant ‘seatbelt’ and it makes it really loud and leads to many turnovers for them which leads to a lot of points for us.”

He added: “The best part of the squadron is when someone dunks they go nuts – there is nothing that can compare to that.”