The Lennox High School Orioles boys’ basketball team is gearing up for an exciting season under the leadership of new head coach Jacob Hinker. The season tips off this Friday, Dec. 13, with an away game against Sioux Falls Christian, followed by a home opener on Saturday, Dec. 14, against Milbank in double-header action.
Hinker, a former standout player for Lennox, is stepping into his first year as head coach with enthusiasm and a commitment to fostering a positive experience for his athletes.
“I had great experiences as an athlete at Lennox High School with coaches and teammates. The ability to try and give these athletes the same positive experience I received is what excites me the most,” said Hinker.
Hinker has spent the past four years as the junior varsity coach at Lennox, building relationships with many of the players and contributing to their development during summer programs.
Hinker is joined by assistant coaches Jared Vlastuin, Trey Manitz, and Kyle Johnston, all of whom bring extensive experience to the program.
“Each one of the assistants bring their own niche to the program that allows us to improve every day. Each one of them brings plenty of experience as a basketball coach in Lennox,” said Hinker.
Vlastuin had previously been an assistant coach in the program along with being a standout basketball player for the Orioles. Manitz has previously been a Junior High coach for many years, and Johnston brings a multitude of years of experience coaching in Lennox.
The team’s athleticism and chemistry are expected to be key strengths this season.
“We will be a very athletic group. That will lead to us being able to defend at a high level. Another strength of ours is the chemistry and togetherness of the team. We have a selfless group of boys that play for each other,”said Hinker.
However, the team faces the challenge of filling the gaps left by the graduation of six seniors, including four starters: Porter Ihnen, Talan Diercks, Braxton Musser, Trey Gerdes, Ethan Lundquist, and Pierce Temme. Hinker acknowledged the importance of identifying new leaders and players to step up into key roles.
Hinker identified Sioux Falls Christian and Dakota Valley as top contenders in the region and noted the Orioles will rely on key players Tate Gerdes, Boston Katzer, Teegan Musser, Drake Mikkelsen, and Talen Eich, all of whom saw rotational minutes during last season, to remain competitive this season.
They will also look to emerging talents like Jaxson Bittner, Cole Spieler, Aiden Hanssen and Eli Plank, all of whom saw good minutes within the Junior Varsity last year.
The Orioles finished last season with a 14-8 record, falling to Vermillion in the second round of regional play. Highlights included getting to play in some big games and classics that included the Hoop City Classic against Waconia and the Pentagon Classic against Viborg-Hurley. As the new season begins, Hinker aims to guide his team toward steady improvement.
“The overall goals and expectations for the ‘24-’25 Orioles is to continue to improve every day and continue to grow together as a team. If we can continue to do those things, we hope to be in the mix with some of the top teams in the state by the end of the year,” noted Hinker.
This year’s roster includes (* denotes returning starters):
Boston Katzer*, Layton Smith, Cade Sherard, Tate Gerdes*, Teegan Musser*, Talen Eich, Cole Spieler, Jaxson Bittner, Elijah Johnson, Eli Highum, Griffen Boomgarden, Drake Mikkelsen, Aiden Hanssen, Eli Plank, Brennen Juffer, Jevyn Lefers, Chase Lundquist, Wyatt Holland, Aden Hodgen, Wyatt Kirschgasler, Kaden Bullert, Andrew Stensaas, Ethan Eitreim, Justin Butler, Easton Nelson, Grayden Veurink, Cayden Huls, Blayze Spielman, Isaac Vietor, Mavrick Stockwell, Justin Butler, Preston Sandal, Cole Dressen, Augustus VonHaden, Mason Warren, and Malikye Smith.
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