Shooting, passing, and locking up on defense, Sophomores Mitchell and Levi Hopp spend all summer working on basketball. Still, with coaching and roster changes, the twins will have to step up as players and leaders this upcoming season. “We’re ready to surprise many people and make some serious noise in our section next year,” Levi said.
After a subpar 9-18 season for the Eagles, Coach Dennis knew it was time to step away from the team for personal reasons. Dennis put together an overall 78-50 record, winning three straight conference titles and going to the section finals twice. Dennis established a winning culture that New Ulm Basketball didn’t previously have. Dennis set a new expectation for New Ulm basketball. They expected to do one thing every night. Win.
“I learned a lot from Coach Dennis; he’s a great defensive guy who expected us to give the most effort we can,” Mitchell Hopp says. The sophomore twins agreed that they would be ready to compete in a loaded conference this upcoming year
The Eagles were comprised of a young nucleus last year, having nine sophomores and one freshman on the team. The players knew that this year, winning wasn’t the only goal. Progressing, building chemistry, and evolving as a team were the main goals for the players this year. Owen Castleman, the loan Freshman on the Varsity team, said, “This year, it felt like I was just being thrown into the fire, but I think that will help me in my next three years.”
As always in sports, it comes down to expectations. Joey Wise, a Sophomore defensive standout, said, “My grade is used to winning; we always have been winning, and that’s always the expectation for me.”
Because of the Eagles’ experience, drive to win, leadership, and heart for the game, you can expect to see the New Ulm Eagles Basketball team soaring again soon.
