The Hornets didn’t get the opportunity to try to defend their Class A State Title of 2018-2019 when COVID-19 led to the cancellation of the 2019-2020 State Tournament.  Henning was headed back there after winning their second straight Section 6A championship.  They also won their third straight Park Region Conference title with a perfect 14-0 record, finishing the season with an overall mark of 29-1.

“For the first time in several years, we do not return much experience or have a great deal of depth,” commented Head Coach Randy Misegades, now in his 16th season.  “Tanner Arndt (JR) has the most experience and will provide stability at the point guard position.  We need him to be a floor leader and look to score for our team to be successful.  Both of our seniors, Joe Angell and Ethan Houselog, bring good size and will be expected to rebound, provide some scoring punch, and be solid in the paint.  Sophomores Tyson Misegades and Mason Hammer have played a great deal of basketball and will need to grow up quickly to give us a chance.  Both players are skilled and shoot the ball well.  Our lack of depth is going to present a big challenge for our team.”

Junior Kyle Tierney and sophomores Riley Bode and Keegan Shaw are also expected to contribute at the varsity level.  Carter Dilly has been lost for the season with an injury.

“Although we don’t return much experience or depth, there is no reason we cannot compete with most every team in our conference and section,” noted Coach Misegades.  “Our kids have seen what it takes to be successful, and they competed against a very good varsity team every day in practice last season.  Our message to the players is to ‘control what we can control’.  We need to be grateful for every opportunity we get and be ready to play when we are allowed to take the floor.  We want to get better each day and see where we are come playoff time.  We are excited for the chance to improve and compete.”

Misegades will be assisted by Mark Oscarson and Ryan Emter.

“New York Mills is the clear cut favorite in the Park Region Conference,” added Misegades.  “They return everyone and have a very talented junior class.  Section 6A will once again be one of the toughest in the state.  In the North half, Mahnomen-Waubun and New York Mills return a ton of experience and talent and will both be very good.  Hillcrest Lutheran Academy will also be in the mix.  Ashby returns a very strong nucleus in the South half, along with Hancock.  West Central Area is always solid.”