Dodson Coyote Basketball 2015

The Dodson Coyotes had a season to forget last year, failing to post a single win.

The "new look Coyotes" have brand new uniforms and a different swagger.

They are a lot younger without Jesse Stephens, Nick Bear and Travis Scheffelmear who the team lost to graduation, but they have high aspirations.

"I'm actually excited. I believe these kids can run with anyone," Coach Wes Kill Eagle told the PCN.

Trevor Banyai is the team's lone senior, was aggressive last year defensively and has a great work ethic.

"He's a hard worker," said Coach Kill Eagle. "He never says no."

Junior Dane Strike came on strong near the end of the season.

"Dane is an awesome player. He's fast, physical, the only thing he's lacking is height," Coach Kill Eagle said.

Strike, a natural point guard will look to pressure opposing guards as well as move the ball down the court on offense.

Junior Lane Walling is a transfer from Malta, where he was the Mustang's team manager last season.

"He's a good kid. He's a worker and is a really good addition to our team," Coach Kill Eagle said.

The Coyotes have a few returning freshman who had experience as eighth graders.

A returning post player, Jasper Doney shined in the paint.

This season Doney has even grown a few inches and is 6'0", which should make him a stronger force in the paint.

"Jasper is a hard worker. He's building up his confidence. He's our big guy," Coach Kill Eagle said. "He's our only big guy. When he get's mad he's a rebounding machine."

If somehow Doney is able to channel his intensity, Dodson may have a machine on the boards.

Stephen Ereaux is another returning freshman, who impressed with a pretty good jump-shop last season.

"Stephen is a hustler. He's a pretty good player and is very coachable. You can put him anywhere," Coach Kill Eagle said.

David Jaynes is another player who impressed last season, primarily behind the arc. He will be placed on the wing.

"He's a hard-worker who likes to play physical. He's very coachable and is a good kid," Coach Kill Eagle said. "He's got some leadership potential."

Eighth grader Tyrese Messerly is a player the whole school is excited about. He shined in junior high track and will look to make a splash for the Coyotes this season and for the next few years.

"He's going to be back up point guard," Coach Kill Eagle said. "I'm excited to finally be able to coach him. He's a good ball-handler and has got some quick passes."

Gavin Fox is another eighth grader, who like Messerly is a very athletic kid.

"He's a energetic kid," Coach Kill Eagle said. "He's got a lot of go in him. Coming off the bench he's going to be a big asset for the next few years."

Cain Wing is another newcomer to the team, who may be a wild-card. According to speculation, Wing sounds like he can really play ball.

"I'm excited to have him based on everything I heard about him," said Coach Kill Eagle. "He's not very tall but he's athletic."

The offense the team will aim to run will be quick and relentless.

"Our offense is going to be our defense," Coach Kill Eagle said.

The team has set goals to challenge for a spot in divisionals later in the year, but they know they need to focus on getting better one game at a time.

They are all looking forward to each game and hope to post their first win since the spring of 2013.

Dodson Panthers Basketball

Date Opp H/A Time

18-Dec Saco H 6 p.m.

20-Dec Scobey H 2 p.m.

2-Jan Turner A 6 p.m.

3-Jan Nashua H 6 p.m.

6-Jan Harlem JV A 6 p.m.

9-Jan Opheim (G) A 6 p.m.

10-Jan Hinsdale (B) H 7:30 p.m.

13-Jan Malta JV A 6 p.m.

16-Jan Frazer H 6 p.m.

17-Jan Lustre A 6 p.m.

22-Jan Saco/WW A 6p.m.

24-Jan Scobey A 2 p.m.

29-Jan Turner H 6 p.m.

30-Jan Nashua A 6 p.m.

5-Feb Opheim (G) H 6 p.m.

6-Feb Hinsdale (B) A 7:30 p.m.

7-Feb Harlem JV H 6 p.m.

10-Feb Malta JV H 6 p.m.

13-Feb Frazer A 6 p.m.

14-Feb Lustre H 6 p.m.

2-19,20,21 B/G Dist. Tourn Scobey A TBA

2-26,27,28 B/G m Divi Tourn A TBA

3-5, 6, 7 Div. Torun Girls W. Point A TBA

3-12,13,14 State C. B/G Billings A TBA