Prior Lake High School’s JV boys’ basketball team has compiled an impressive record of 20-2. Throughout the season, the team has continued to improve both on and off the court.
Led by freshman #11 point guard, Kolby Thompson, the JV team has earned their record and worked hard for their success. After losing back to back games early in the season, the team has worked hard to ensure they finish the season strong.
Sophomore JV guard Woeser Jenpa said Farmington high school posted the largest challenge this season.
“They are a strong, physical, well rounded team,” he said. “The game started with Prior Lake down 15 points. We then came back and lost to a buzzer beater in the second half.”
The team has beaten some of the best basketball programs in the state including Wayzata, Shakopee, and Lakeville North. In the past, the team has fallen short of expectations, but this year they have exceeded them by having the best record in the conference.
There are many key aspects that Jenpa credits to having led to the team’s success.
“The success has come from our effort and our efficiency while shooting the ball,” he said. “We are the strongest when we are playing defense before offense because defense leads to offense.”
With lots of new talent on the court this year, including freshman Kolby Thompson, the team has lots of potential to improve. When the time comes for their varsity opportunity, the hope is they will continue their success at the varsity level.
“If they stick together and continue to build chemistry, a lot of the JV guys will step up into big varsity roles next year,” said senior varsity guard Tyler Legg.
Legg considers himself a mentor of the JV team, as he helps to push them in practice because he knows they can be great. Practicing with them everyday and watching their games has allowed him to not only know how they play but also to get to know them as people.
“They set standards high, so when they lose, it hurts them,” Legg said. “They haven’t lost too much, but it makes them want to work harder.”
As the time in the season winds down, they have been working harder and harder in practice to prepare themselves, not only for the upcoming games but for future seasons as well.
“They busted varsity in practice today,” Tyler said. “Their offense is looking strong, but maybe their defense could pick it up a little. Hitting the weight room, which is something I didn’t do, can lead to more success as a team.”
