After a heartbreaking loss last week to the Ellsworth Bearcats (34-31), the Owls are now gearing up for their 2023-24 basketball season. With high hopes for what may come, Garden Plain prepared all summer for the opportunity at a CPL championship. Players were given an off week to nurse injuries and recover from a hard season, and now they look to grind it out on the hardwood.
With returning starters Kaeden Kasselman, Seth Dugan, Max McGregor, and Cooper Scheer the Owls look to right the ship from last season’s sub par record. Garden Plain also brings back last year’s role players Gabe Kampling, Brady Brack and Ty Scheer who look to earn a spot in the starting lineup in place of last year’s captain Collin Hakup.
In their second year under head coach Mark Powell, the Owls are a dangerous team to look out for this season. They have all the pieces they need to be a state championship caliber roster. They have a 2023 All-League forward in junior Kaeden Kasselman, and one of the best shooter’s in the Central Plains League Max McGregor to help lead the charge on offense.
On defense, the Owls have players such as Seth Dugan and Cooper Scheer, who combined for nearly 30 charges, which is a major emphasis from head coach Mark Powell. Dugan had a remarkable average of 4.1 steals per game, which was by far the highest on the team. Another player making an impact on the defensive side of the ball was forward Gabe Kampling, who would lead the team in blocks (22) and the team’s second leading rebounder behind Kaeden Kasselman.
The Owls return all but two graduating seniors in Luke Hillman and Collin Hakup. They also bring back two of the team’s three coaches. A new face for the Owls is Mark Powell’s assistant coach Jon Peck. Peck graduated from Bishop Carroll in 2009, and is currently in his 8th year in education. The newcomer was also a part of Bishop Caroll’s 2018 State Title. Along with Peck, the Owls will have Lorenzo Barles on staff, who was an assistant coach on the team last year. His interaction with players is unmatched, and he knows how to use their strengths on the court. He is always willing to jump in on a drill, and coach up the players regardless of their skill or love for the game.
This summer, the Owls played in a summer league, where both the JV and varsity teams saw live action against possible opponents. Coach Powell said, “It was super crucial getting not only our varsity playing time, but our JV as well. It is also a big advantage to play together after losing players from last year’s roster.” Powell also said that it is nice being able to watch players use the skills that are taught over the summer in a live game.
Last season, the Owls went a mere 6-16 in their 2023 campaign. This year head coach Mark Powell hopes to reach the state tournament. In order to reach this feat, the Owls must have less turnovers and be better on the defensive side of the ball. Last year, the Owls averaged almost 20 turnovers a game, and found themselves in tight matchups because of it.
Garden Plain struggled on the road last year, going 3-7 on the road or at a neutral sight. This year, the Owls are on the road over 60% of the time. They only have 7 scheduled home games in the regular season, so it is important to protect their home court too.
With their first week of practice beginning, Garden Plain gears up for a competitive year. The Owls, with leaders such as Kaeden Kasselman and Max McGregor, look to make a push at a CPL Championship and potentially a deep playoff run. Garden Plain invites all of their fans to their opening night matchup against the Wichita Trinity Knights on December 1.
