Brookings Bobcats (1-0)
The Bobcats have a new head coach this season, David Rohrbach who came to Brookings from Aberdeen Christian where he had a ton of success. His teams seemed to always be at the State Tournament. The season started off in…
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Continue ReadingThe Bobcats have a new head coach this season, David Rohrbach who came to Brookings from Aberdeen Christian where he had a ton of success. His teams seemed to always be at the State Tournament. The season started off in a great way with the Bobcats picking up a convincing win over Watertown 54-32. Brooking’s next game is at home on Friday vs. Fairmont (MN).
“I thought game 1 we came out with a good defensive effort. We turned the ball over more than we’d like to, especially in the first half, but once we settled down and got a little momentum we settled in and made a run. I thought defensively our guys put forth a good effort all night long though, which was really good to see and something we have to continue to build on.” –David Rohrbach
*See below for player comments and a Q&A session with coach Rohrbach
Bobcat Player Comments
The only players returning who saw varsity minutes from last year are Nathan Lease (Senior) and Owen Burns (Junior). They, along with everyone else seeing the court will have significantly increased roles this upcoming season.
Nathan Lease (2023) |6’3 F|
He is a very smart player who is always under control. Lease is a very good shooter and has the ability to play inside and out. The Bobcats will look to utilize his scoring ability in various ways this season. Nathan led the Bobcats with 16 points in the first game of the season.
Sam Conrad (2023) |5’9 G|
He is lightning-quick with a good handle and impressive court vision. The Bobcats will look to him to help push the tempo this season. Conrad is a good passer, is very good at setting up his teammates, and possesses the ability to score himself as well.
Ryan Bauman (2023) |6’2 G|
He is a good shooter and a strong defender. Ryan is a smart player that provides solid play on both ends of the floor. Bauman’s three-point shooting will be very much needed for the Bobcats this season.
Owen Burns (2024) |6’4 F|
He provides a true post presence for the Bobcats with crafty moves down low. Owen also has the ability to shoot the ball from three. Brookings will look for his interior presence to be a factor all season long.
Austin Clark (2024) |5’11 G|
He is a good ball-handler and a good shooter. Clark is crafty around the rim and a good finisher. The Bobcats will look for him to be a ball handler and a scorer this season.
Ben Moret (2024) |6’2 G/F|
He is a versatile player who made big strides this past summer. Moret is a long and athletic defender who can guard wings or a post.
Jackson Hoffman (2023) |6’2 F|
He is a really good defender and provides a strong interior presence. Hoffman is smart offensively and can do a little bit of everything.
Nathan Smith (2024) |5’11 G|
He is a smart player and does the little things well. Nathan is also a good shooter.
Griffin Bartels (2024) |5’11 G|
He is an athletic guard who has the ability to shoot well from 3.
Q&A With Coach David Rohrbach
PHD: What can you tell us about last season for the Bobcats?
Coach Rohrbach: “Last season the team won only 1 game, and many of those kids who saw court time graduated.”
PHD: How did the offseason go for your team/program?
Coach Rohrbach: “We had a lot to cover this summer, but overall was a productive off-season. We had skill development a couple of times a week during the summer with our BHS coaches and a couple of other times a week with Sacred Hoops trainers for those athletes who signed up. We attended 2 team camps trying to implement the groundwork of a new offensive and defensive system.”
PHD: Who are a few of your top players to look out for?
Coach Rohrbach: “Nathan Lease – He returns with the most varsity playing time experience out of this group. He can score in different ways – off the dribble, in the post, and is a really good shooter.”
“Owen Burns – Saw playing time last year on varsity. Expect him to take a step forward this year. He is crafty around the rim, can use both hands, and is a good shooter.”
“Sam Conrad – His quickness in transition will be effective in space. He has a nice pull-up jumper as well.”
“Austin Clark – He possesses the ability to score at all levels and always seems to find the basketball.”
“Ryan Bauman – He is a good shooter and a smart player. I anticipate he will get several looks a game.”
PHD: Who are a couple of up-and-comers to look out for in the near future?
Coach Rohrbach: “Peyton Stoel – He has the length and the height to be a player in the future. He is still learning how to run the floor, and consistently finish but he has a high upside.”
PHD: What style of basketball will your team play?
Coach Rohrbach: “We will look to get out and run when we can and push the tempo. Player movement and ball movement will be something that we preach to our guys from day 1. Defensively is where we want to start to hang our hats on. If we are going to compete at a high level consistently, we must be excellent at that end of the floor.”
PHD: Who are your biggest rival schools and why?
Coach Rohrbach: “ESD schools. More specifically, Watertown has to be toward the top. Them being so close and in the conference.”
PHD: In your opinion, who are some of the top teams in your Region and why?
Coach Rohrbach: “I anticipate Jefferson, O’Gorman, Lincoln, and Pierre being very solid this year.”
Good Luck Bobcats!