MOSES LAKE — As Mavericks head coach Craig Groth prepares for his second year leading the group, he feels confident this team can take the next step.   

“They got acclimated to the new system. They learned a lot from it, and now that the system has been in place, and they know what their role is, we're able to come together and build upon the success from last year,” Groth said.   

The Mavericks had a promising year of growth last season, said Groth. They went 14-10 and fell just short of a state tournament bid after losing to Davis in the 4A district championship game. He said making it as far as they did last season was impressive enough since they had not done so in several years.   

With Groth’s first year under their belts, the Mavericks have an opportunity to build off this system and learn how to play off each other more, Groth said. Of the returning players, many of them can play multiple positions. This will benefit them offensively and defensively, said Groth.   

“They'll give us opportunities to try and create mismatches in practice. It gives them an opportunity to play other positions where they're going up against different guys that play different styles,” he said.   

The Mavericks return Brady Jay, Grady Walker, Tyce Miller and Kyre Wiltbank from last year's roster. They are just four names from the nine seniors they have. With a larger group of experienced players, building team chemistry will be important. Groth feels confident his players can achieve that after seeing them buy into the vision last season.   

“With new seasons, there are going to come new challenges. You have a short amount of time to get the guys on the same page playing together, so that way they can feed off each other, getting the ball moving around, knowing what they're going to be doing offensively, know what they're going to be doing defensively,” Groth said.   

Many of his players are multisport athletes, too. Players like Jay and Miller are coming off the football season. Groth said not only are his players friends on the court, but off the court as well.   

Looking ahead to this season, Groth said the team's selflessness and communication will be a key factor in achieving success. On offense, several players can put points, but how they move the ball will be important for creating opportunities. On defense, the Mavs will need to be vocal and communicate with each other, something Groth said they are already doing well.   

“Being able to help each other out, being less selfish, making sacrifices for the team, we got 12 good guys on varsity that are doing an excellent job of sacrificing and really buying into the program to help each other out,” he said.   

In their approach to offense, Groth said the Mavericks will be able to execute what is required of them. While it will vary game to game, he said they have the players that can shoot from the outside, some that can attack and others that can finish at the hoop.  

The first three weeks will be tough for Moses Lake to start, but could reveal the potential of this team, Groth said. They will play nine games in the first three weeks of the regular season. After that initial run, they will get a clear view of what they need to work on early in the season.   

Groth anticipates the Big Nine being tough this season, but expects his players to be competitive. Last year, they set the foundation. This year, they aim to take the next step toward competing for league championships and state tourney bids on a yearly basis.   

After the recent success of the fall sports teams, the Mavericks are eager to continue bringing a winning culture to Moses Lake. The Mavericks start their season on the road against the Ephrata Tigers on Dec. 2 at 7 p.m. Their first home game will be Dec. 5 against Ferris at 7 p.m.  

“We want our program to follow their success. We want the wins to carry over with us. These kids, they work hard, they work their tail off, and they're coming in expecting to win, and show that on the scoreboard,” Groth said.   

    Moses Lake senior Tyce Miller (22) drives toward the rim during a game against Shadle Park last season. Miller and Brady Jay are couple of the multisport athletes that Head Coach Craig Groth said will benefit them this season.
  

    The Mavs’ Kyre Wiltbank, left, shoots a three-pointer in the second quarter against Lewiston during his sophomore season. Head Coach Craig Groth said his players have done a great job of communicating during practices.