(New Buffalo, MI) - The New Buffalo High School boys’ basketball team showed why the upcoming season could be one to remember during seven recent preseason games.

 

Head Coach Nate Tripp is even seeing flashes of the No. 1 ranked Class D squad that didn’t lose its second game until the regional championship match against Tri Unity Christian in 2022.

 

The Bison coasted to wins against Eau Claire and Andrews Academy but were soundly defeated by always talented Benton Harbor on Sunday, November 17 at Andrews University near Berrien Springs.

 

The previous day, the Bison at home twice defeated Howardsville Christian but lost both games to a strong Victory Christian team out of Valparaiso, Ind. Tripp said the games against the more physical Victory Christian players were not decided, though, until very late in each of the final periods.

 

He said his players showed they can play the type of fast paced style on defense leading to points off miscues that helped propel the 2021-22 squad.

 

“We got some defensive schemes going this year that I think are going to rattle some teams,” he said.

 

This year’s team might not be as potent offensively as the 2021-22 squad, which averaged more than 80 points per game and was in the top 10 nationally, at one point, for scoring.

 

However, Tripp said he expects a similar fast paced attack and no shortage of buckets especially from 6’4” junior center Lucas Forker, who scored more than 20 points a game in much of the preseason competition.

 

He said Forker’s ability to score is similar to Kayden Parmley, who set the New Buffalo High School record for scoring in 2022.  Parmley, a four year starter, finished with about 1,300 career points as a guard.

 

M’Nason Smothers and Trevor James are emerging as possibly the next scoring threats while Nick Haskins and Sam Tripp, who also have good ability to put the ball through the net, are settling in as ball handlers on offense.

 

Tripp said he also came away from the preseason more impressed with the desire of his players to work and pass the ball for open shots.

 

“It’s fun to watch.  It’s ball movement like we had in 2022 with that team,” he said.

 

He’s not expecting this year’s team of mostly juniors to win as many games as the senior rich 2021-2022 squad. Tripp said the players this year, though, could advance just as far, if not, deeper into the post season.

 

“Every single one of these guys have greatly improved,” he said.

 

The Bison open the regular season at home against Bangor on Tuesday, November 26.