Devils Lake Firebirds: Season Review

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Today we are checking out the Firebirds from Devils Lake. They had a nice season and surprised some people by finishing the regular season with the #4 seed heading into the EDC Tournament. They fell short of the State Tournament but still had a quality year. They even beat Fargo North and Grand Forks Red River, both teams played in the State Championship game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1411320' first='Wylee' last='Delorme'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1750475' first='Parker' last='Brodina'] had standout seasons and were both All-EDC selections. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Big Shoutout to coach <em>Dustin Brodina</em> who was voted EDC Coach of the Year!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>North Dakota will be moving to a 3-Class System next year and DL will stay in class A. The bigger schools will move up and now be in AA. This was the last season of Devils Lake being in the EDC.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Firebirds will be loaded with talent next season and will likely be ranked #1 heading into the 2023-24 season in class A. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"small"} --> <p class="has-small-font-size">See below for stat leaders and a Q&amp;A session with coach <em>Brodina</em>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>School: </strong>Devils Lake</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mascot: </strong>Firebirds</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Enrollment: </strong>496</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach:</strong> <em>Dustin Brodina</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Record:</strong> 14-10</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Playoffs:</strong> Lost to Red River in State Qualifying Game 77-74</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Wins Against:</strong> Valley City (x2), Sheyenne, Wahpeton (x2), Horace (x2), Red River, West Fargo (x2), Turtle Mountain, Fargo South, Fargo North, Gran Forks Central.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1842251,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/03/SeaonReview-.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/03/SeaonReview-.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-1842251" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/DevilsLakeBoyBB/status/1640899218834440194","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/DevilsLakeBoyBB/status/1640899218834440194 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Stat Leaders</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1411320' first='Wylee' last='Delorme'] (2024) |6'5 SG|</strong> - 20 ppg, 6 rpg, 2.6 apg, 45 FG%</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1750475' first='Parker' last='Brodina'] (2025) |6'4 F|</strong> - 16.9 ppg, 8.8 rpg, 3.5 apg, 42 FG%</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1746515' first='Oliver' last='Wirth'] (2025) |6'6 F|</strong> - 9.3 ppg, 5 rpg, 1.5 apg, 42 FG%</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1918762' first='Beau' last='Brodina'] (2024) |6'2 G| </strong>- 6.5 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 1.4 apg, 33 FG%</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1161534' first='Drew' last='Hofstad'] (2024) |6'1 G|</strong> - 5 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 2.2 apg, 31 FG%</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1769085' first='Joel' last='Nelson'] (2025) |6'4 F|</strong> - 4.1 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 1 apg, 33 FG%</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Brady Goss (2023) |5'8 G|</strong> - 3.9 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 2.4 apg, 41 FG%</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1632626' first='Mason' last='Palmer'] (2026) |5'10 PG| </strong>- 3 ppg, .4 rpg, .3 apg, 48 FG% </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1162304' first='Sam' last='Enget'] (2023) |6'2 G|</strong> - 2.8 ppg, 2 rpg, 1 apg, 33 FG%</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Gage Meyer (2023) |6'3 F| </strong>- 2.3 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 2.1 apg, 35 FG%</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/DaksHoops/status/1631770324378238989","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/DaksHoops/status/1631770324378238989 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Q&amp;A with coach <em>Brodina</em></span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: How would you sum up the season for your squad</span>?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Coach Brodina</span>:</strong> "<em>Our season provided for many exciting and competitive basketball games. We got to know each other throughout the season and grew together as one unit. Our competitiveness and desire to win really improved throughout the season. We didn't reach our ultimate goal of making it to the State Tournament, failing to win the state qualifying game.</em>" </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: Do you have any fun memories from the season that happened off the court</span>?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Coach Brodina</span>:</strong> "<em>We had several overnights, team meals, and activities that we did off the court. As a coach, I enjoy the camaraderie that is built between all of us.</em>" </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: What were some of the highlights on the hardwood that stick out</span>?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Coach Brodina</span>:</strong> "<em>We had big wins at home versus Fargo North and GF Red River. Both teams played for the State Title.</em>" </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: How did your team overcome adversity</span>?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Coach Brodina</span>:</strong> "<em>We had injuries and sickness like every other team, but I feel we had different guys step up each and every game.</em>" </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: What are a few things your team improved on over the course of the season</span>?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Coach Brodina</span>:</strong> "<em>We continued to get better at team defense, rebounding, and trusting each other to play as a team.</em>" </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: Who are a couple of role players that stood out to you</span>? </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Coach Brodina</span>:</strong> "<em><strong>Brady Goss</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1918762' first='Beau' last='Brodina']</strong> - Both these guys were our shutdown defenders. They hit the shots when the opportunity presented itself and did the extra little things to help the team.</em>" </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: Can you talk about your seniors and what will be missed</span>?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Coach Brodina</span>: </strong>"<strong>Brady Goss</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1162304' first='Sam' last='Enget']</strong>, <strong>Gage Meyer</strong>- All 3 will be missed as they all contributed both on the floor and off the floor with their play and leadership." </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: Who are some up-and-comers to look out for</span>?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Coach Brodina</span>:</strong> "<em>[player_tooltip player_id='1750475' first='Parker' last='Brodina'], [player_tooltip player_id='1746515' first='Oliver' last='Wirth'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1769085' first='Joel' last='Nelson'] are all sophomores. [player_tooltip player_id='1632626' first='Mason' last='Palmer'], <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1632635' first='Max' last='Palmer']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1632694' first='Kade' last='Fee']</strong>, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1951558' first='Bryar' last='Exner']</strong> are all freshmen. We will look to these guys to make each other accountable and contribute immensely to our program over the next 2-3 years.</em>" </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: What are the plans for the offseason</span>?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Coach Brodina</span>:</strong> "<em>Aside from being a kid, fishing, water skiing, jet skiing, hunting &amp; hanging out, which as a program we promote just as much as basketball. We will have individual workouts &amp; weights for every player, they will focus on how to get stronger and better skilled. Many Team Camps and our Devils Lake Team League will all be part of our off-season.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/DaksHoops/status/1632223825256407043","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/DaksHoops/status/1632223825256407043 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed -->