 Two days away now for the Midget Boys basketball season opener with the graduation of seven seniors off last year's 19-win team, the Jacks are turning their youth to bounce back. As a fan looking at the roster for the Midget Boys basketball team this season, one thing's for certain, you're going to have to keep a close eye on it. I like our speed, that'd be number one, I think that's going to help us on the defensive end for sure and it's going to help on the offensive end to more of our transition game. The Jacks are coming off a 19-win season but graduated seven seniors off that roster, but captains Jace Peterson and Linnaeus, widening return, leading a young and athletic group. They got to fill in, we lost seniors, we got to fill in for them, me and Linnaeus, we're trying to help them into it, but they're doing a really good job. So offensively they'll stick to their guns and strength of speed and athleticism, pushing the ball up and down the court. Our philosophy is open-man gets the ball, so we're going to pass the ball quick and hopefully get an early shot, if not I think we're confident in our offense, we can score points, I think the biggest question is going to be whether we're going to rebound. And to help with that, 6-8 sophomore Spencer Konishne, who looks to be a big time presence in the paint. Our interior size this year is going to be a little better, that's going to help us defend the rim a little better I think than in past years. We got some length in the inside, Spencer, we've got some good on-ball defenders, some guys who can steal. So now they look to build off last year's section quarter final win, and keep the arrow pointed in the right direction. Just get better today, because everybody around the state is also doing the same and we need to get better at a faster rate. We feel like we made a big step last year, we did our first section game in a while and I think we want to take the next step and definitely get to that section final game and hopefully have a shot at going to the state. So first up, International Falls Friday night at the Field House, tip offset for 7.30pm. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.