The future was up in the air for the Remsen St. Mary’s boys basketball team following last year’s heartbreaking loss in the semifinals to North Linn. The Hawks graduated all but one of their starters meaning there were plenty of new spots to fill. Co-head coach Justin Ruden says that also meant finding a new identity for this year’s team to differentiate itself from last year’s team.
One of those new faces for the Hawks joins a loaded junior class. Sam Schmillen was hurt for the majority of last season and did not get a chance to contribute. He is taking advantage of being on the floor this season averaging 12 points, 7.5 rebounds, three assists, and a block per game all while shooting just shy of 49% from the field. Coach Ruden says the goal now is to try and find more there by bringing out his confidence more and more.
Collin Homan is the only returning starter off last year’s squad. This meant that he would have a new role of leading the Hawks as their team captain. He has responded by averaging 18 points, eight rebounds, and shooting 57% from the field. Coach Ruden says his game has improved by adding a perimeter shot that means he has to be guarded further away from the basket now.
The Hawks get a great opportunity to play on a big stage this week when they take on West Lyon at the Bomgaars Invitational at the Tyson Events Center in Sioux City. They finish the week on Friday taking on Hinton on the road. Coach Ruden says this week is big to make sure guys are taking care of the little things that make a team successful.
The Hawks take on West Lyon at 6:00 PM at the Tyson Events Center on Thursday.
