After run to Breslin Center, Hanover looks to regroup and rebuild on the fly
By Mike Moore
Staff Writer
Hanover– Things will be different, much different.
That’s a fact the Hanover-Horton boys basketball team will have to deal with this winter.
That’s the challenge Chad Mortimer has for his guys as the 2015-16 season takes flight.
“We’re working hard, and we know it’s going to take some time,” Mortimer said. “But that’s the goal, to get better every single day. We expect to compete and play our best basketball as the year goes on.”
Hanover had a magical run last year.
But that’s how it’s looked at now, magic of last year.
The Comets finished the season 24-2, falling to Flint Beecher 71-43 in the Class C semifinals.
But from that team, just four guys are back and the current group has five new starters.
“Making a run in the tournament last year, I mean, there’s nothing else like it,” Mortimer said. “It’s what basketball and sports is all about. But that’s done and over with. Now it’s this group’s time. It’s their turn.”
Their turn and their challenge.
“Once last year ended we started thinking about the next year,” Mortimer added. “We want to maximize our strengths, even if we don’t know what that is yet.”
Defense is going to be key, especially early on, especially as the Comets figure out their roles on the offensive side of things.
“That’s what we have to do to stay in games,” Mortimer said. “With getting to know one another and with chemistry and playing together, the offense will continue to get better.”
The rebuild is undeniable, but Mortimer doesn’t want it to define this team or what this season is all about.
“Expectations are always high,” he said. “We expect these guys to give it everything they have. They have to want to learn, improve and do things the right way. We’re going to be a different in team in two months, that’s for sure. But these guys are going to get pushed. They push each other. This is a challenge they have accepted.”
Hanover opens its season Thursday at Union City, and then returns to action Saturday at home against Concord.
“It’s hard to say exactly what we want to do,” Mortimer said when asked about season goals. “But the foundation has to be the defense. We will work toward that and work toward getting better.”
It’s a formula that worked a year ago, and as different as this team may be, it’s a challenge the Comets have accepted.
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.