NOXON – The Red Devils are tearing up the court and with only a handful of practices due to Thanksgiving break, the team is starting to find its groove.

This year the team has two returning starters and five returning lettermen. Overall, Head Coach Mike Tessier said the team is pretty young.

“We have a lot of good young players with experience,” explained Coach Tessier.

With two experienced seniors, the Red Devils already have some leadership in place. Senior Oliver Grupenhoff and Tanner Tammaro are both expected to be strong competitors.

“I’m expecting a good year out of both of them. We’re going to rely on that experience and leadership this year,” said Coach Tessier.

With the first practices under their belt, the team is working on offense, defense and making sure everything is ready for the Tip-Off Tournament.

“The first couple weeks are always a scramble trying to get ready,” explained Coach Tessier. “But we’re getting our Xs and Os ready for next weekend.”

The team is preparing for the tournament by running a lot of drills and spending time bonding together – creating a team dynamic along the way.

“I’m looking forward to the Coffee Cup – that gets the county involved and it gets everyone into the basketball season,” said Coach Tessier.

Noxon will be up against Plains first and although it’s early to tell how the teams match up, Coach Tessier thinks the Horsemen will be pretty similar to his team.

“I know they have a lot of young kids and a few good ones from last year. I’m expecting it to be a good match up,” he said.

Last year the Red Devils finished third in the district tournament after losing a game to Seeley by two points. There record sat at 16-7.

The goal is to improve more this year.

“You always want to have a good season conference wise and want to be playing your best come February,” said Coach Tessier. “We are getting better every week.”

He said there is a good chance his team will move on to divisional at the very least.