High Hopes for LRSC Men's Basketball Team

Article by Sam Herder, Devils Lake Journal Sports, October 31st, 2016.

In Jared Marshall's first season as head coach of the Lake Region State College men's basketball team last season, he had the luxury of four returning sophomore leaders. In the preseason leading up to the Royals' first game on Nov. 2, Marshall may be getting a little more coaching in during practices.

LRSC returns three key sophomores, but bring in 11 freshmen.

"We're young," Marshall said. "We're riding the highs and the lows. We're preaching about being even and don't get too high or low. There's a lot of talent there. Now it's just getting it to stick on the floor."

The Royals were able to jump right into things last season. But with a lack of experience, Marshall is making sure his freshmen are adjusting to the college level of play.

"It is a bit more of different coaching. We've really stressed on breaking stuff down. It's a crawl before we can walk type of thing. We're breaking things down and put it into live situations."

Nonetheless, Marshall likes his talent and believes this year's team will be deeper than last year's.

Ben Rennie will be looked at to lead the Royals on the floor after averaging double-digit points last season. Jon Lund and Jayson Edwards add experience and both had key performances off the bench last season.

With an up-tempo style of play, Marshall surrounded his sophomores with 11 talented freshmen. Three in particular have impressed the coaching staff in practice.

Harvey Barr is a 7-footer who disrupts the defensive end and is a skilled big man on the offensive end. Cedric Boone came from a solid program in Minnetonka. And Kobe Boraas is the all-time leading scorer at Sauk Rapids.

"The main thing is playing at college speed," Marshall said. "I don't think they will truly get it until we get to our first scrimmages. But they are a very talented group. It's a good group of kids we were able to bring in this year. Surrounding those three sophomores with that kind of talent, I think we have a chance to be better."

Marshall said the team's expectations are to win 20 games, be a top team in the Mon-Dak, play for the regional championship and get a shot at the district championship."