With revamped roster, Mortimer took Hanover-Horton to quarterfinals again
By Mike Moore
Staff Writer
Horton – From one year to the next, names and faces change, but the results have remained stubbornly the same.
And that’s a good thing.
Over the past 15 years, the Hanover-Horton boys basketball program has been to the regional round 15 times.
Somewhere in that equation there has to be a constant, something that continues to push and propel.
Well, not some thing, but some one.
Chad Mortimer did it again with the Comets, taking a revamped roster through the districts, regionals and one win shy of the Breslin Center.
And the final award for Mortimer is earning the 2015-16 JTV Sports Basketball Coach of the Year.
“This was a group I was very proud of,” Mortimer said of his team. “We pushed them hard and they responded.”
After reaching the state semifinals last winter, Mortimer began the 2015-16 with only one returning veteran in Preston Laketa.
A team that went 26-2 in 2014-15 began this past season with a loss in just the second game.
“To start the season, we didn’t have a ton of experience,” Mortimer said. “But as the season went on, we continued to get better and work to our strengths.”
Under Mortimer’s direction, Hanover won its next five games before a 56-55 setback to Michigan Center on Jan. 21.
The team wouldn’t lose again until the quarterfinals, putting together a win streak that reached 17 games.
“As the season goes on, you start to figure out who can do what and where the strengths are,” Mortimer said. “I think we developed rolls and things like that. It turned out well.”
Asked about the 15 district titles in a row, Mortimer spoke as if the regional round was tomorrow.
“It’s not something we really talk too much about,” he said. “The main reason we enjoy winning the district is it means we get to continue the playoff journey. We’ve been fortunate with the runs and success we’ve had.”
Mortimer spoke from a vacation in Florida, another successful season in the rearview mirror, but planning for the next already on the mind.
“You have to get away from it for a while, but the reality is, we lost eight outstanding seniors, a couple who will play college ball next year – Preston Laketa is committed to Alma and Jay McMiller is getting some Division 1 looks.” he said. “We lost a lot, but we’ll return a handful of guys who will have their shot now.”
New guys. A new team. But the same leader, pushing, propelling and constant, one year after another.
Mike Moore is a play-by-play commentator and Sports Writer for JTV Sports. You can reach him at mjm12@albion.edu. He’s also the author of ‘Love, Defined; A Dedication to the Love, Sacrifice, and Magic of Motherhood.’
Love, Defined is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Tate Publishing or by contacting Mike directly.