Your future, our focus
The Northwest College Trapper men’s basketball team is embarking on a high-mileage road trip after its extended winter break, wrapping up non-conference play in Montana and North Dakota this weekend.
Northwest has had players away from campus for a couple weeks, something coach Andy Ward sees as a positive and negative for his team coming out of the break.
“The guys have had a pretty extended break,” Ward said. “I talked to them about being rejuvenated, being hungry. I am also always talking to them about being appreciative of what they have and the things they have around them and this opportunity. We are coming back with those three things in their minds.”
Returning from break Ward said the team is rejuvenated, but needs to focus on some conditioning early alongside working on offensive and defensive schemes.
The Trappers (12-5) will immediately get a rematch Friday at 4 p.m. against Dawson Community College (11-4) — attempting to avenge their most recent loss 65-62 in Powell on Dec. 15.
A strong second half comeback by the Buccaneers led by their leading scorer Joe Mpoyo helped lead Dawson to victory — something the Trappers will have to focus on in this second matchup.
“We always have to know where those guys are,” Ward said. “We have to try and take away their strengths and make it difficult for them.”
After that the Trappers will make their way over from Glendive to Bismarck on Saturday at 2 p.m., getting the opportunity to complete the season sweep over United Tribes Technical College (8-4).
Northwest defeated United Tribes 93-90 during the Miles Community College Classic on Nov. 25.
Heading into that game, Ward knows the Trappers will again have another pair of strong scorers to deal with defensively, as Famous Lefthand and Sylvester Union both scored 26 in the first matchup.
Ward knows that both teams like to play at a fast pace, something he will have to manage with substitutions throughout the weekend in order for his team to not be worn down over three days.
“Dawson and United Tribes are going to press us, so we need to be able to handle the full court press,” Ward said. “I think if we do that well we should have a good opportunity.”
Rounding out the weekend, Northwest will remain in Bismarck to take on Bismarck State College (4-8) on Sunday at 1 p.m.
He said the Trappers did well in the first half of the season rebounding and taking care of the ball, something he sees as a key to success for the rest of the campaign.
After the game against Bismarck, the Trappers will have the next two weeks to prepare for their opening Region IX North game on Jan. 21 at home against Casper College (11-4).