It appears that the Lethbridge College Kodiaks men’s basketball team have ferociously come out of hibernation.
After wining provincials and a third place finish at nationals last year, the pressure was on for the Kodiaks to succeed this season. Lethbridge College was able to win their first four games of the season, they even beat their rivals the Medicine Hat Rattlers 83-69.
Kodiaks head coach Ryan Heggie explained how his main aspiration for the team is to make it to playoffs again.
“Our goal is to always get back to the playoffs, and it’s not an easy place to get to. Even as defending provincial champs one of the coaches told me right after we won the banner “get ready for the big target on your back,” said Heggie.
The men’s coach understands that the Kodiaks trip to the playoffs consists of hard work both on and off the court. Instead of only focusing on basketball technique, he works with the players one-on-one to boost their playing ability.
“As a coach we need give the players confidence and tell them that we believe in them and uplift them as much as possible, but still keep them accountable. We also need to make sure our veterans are leading by example.”
Despite winning their first four games, the Kodiaks ran into some trouble having lost to both Red Deer College and Olds College in the same weekend. Lethbridge lost to the number four-ranked team in the country, the Red Deer College Kings by 21 points in a 77-98 effort. The following day the Kodiaks came out on top over the Olds Broncos, but lost the game by two points in an 85-87 battle.
First year Kodiaks player Rory Russell expressed his frustration about how the Olds game unfolded.
“It was just a tough game coming out of Red Deer, honestly it was just a lapse. We weren’t playing high intensity and could never really get a good lead or hold a lead,” said Russel.
Despite losing two straight games, the Kodiaks season is far from over. Morgan Gunderson is entering his third year on the team and explained why he has hope for this season.
“We all try to bring the best attitude possible, everyone respects us and I think you can make up for so much lost talent or skill just because you’re a tight unit and that’s what we are.”
Currently the Lethbridge College Kodiaks are ranked 14 in the country and are ranked second in their division placing one spot behind the Red Deer College Kings. Despite the road ahead the Kodiaks hope to see national gold in their future.
