Pronghorn men’s off to a hot start

By Lethbridge Herald on November 26, 2024.

Herald Photo by Justin Seward U of L Pronghorns Kymani Pollard attempts a shot in the paint past the coverage of Jack-Henry Fox-Grey at practice on Tuesday.

By Justin Seward

Lethbridge Herald

The University of Lethbridge Pronghorns men’s basketball team are off to a strong start with a 5-1 record with two games to go in the first semester.

Second-year head coach Kenny Otieno has been happy with his team’s effort since preseason.

“We came in with a different mindset this season and that work started in our preseason in terms of our practices (and) how competitive it was, (and) how hard guys are pushing each other and it translated to how we started the regular season and where we’re at right now,” said Otieno.

“So (I am) definitely happy with the progress and the jump that we’ve made compared to last year …  I think we have room for growth and our ceiling can be higher.”

The team has played with an identity through the three aspects of defence first, emotional  regulation of not being too high or low and making the right shot selections.

“We can continue to get better in a lot of those fronts and I think we’re on our way to that point,” said Otieno.

Trust in one another, the coaches and system is what Otieno thinks has become stronger as the season has gone along.

“I think the biggest thing I can think of is the trust factor,” said Otieno.

Otieno wants to see the momentum that has been built continue into the last games against the University of Manitoba this weekend before the semester break.

“We don’t want to have a fall-off or a situation where we’re reflecting back on this after the semester ends or in the new year, (and) saying we could’ve ended a little bit better,” said Otieno.

“As long as we stay competitive in this last weekend and give it our all, I think we’ll be alright either way.”

Fifth-year Shae Gibb has seen the energy and momentum being high.

“As long as we can keep our energy high, and keep running and transitioning out on the court and playing as a team, I think we’re going to be a force for the rest of the season,” said Gibb.

Gibb thinks belief has been key for the Horns.

“I think everyone in our gym knows that we can be a special team and so I think it’s just  believing in ourselves that we can do it,” said Gibb.

The Horns head into play this weekend in third place in the Prairie division behind the University of Winnipeg and the University of Calgary.