Robert Brewer/MDN The Minot Magicians boys basketball team were back practicing in their home gym on Nov. 30 after pandemic related restrictions were lifted by the HDHSAA. Minot looks to improve on a promising 16-8 season a year ago.

The Minot High School boys basketball team ended the 2019-2020 season with an overall mark of 16-8 while finishing third in the Western Dakota Association standings. This winter, they are looking to build off of that promising campaign.

The Magicians will open the 2020-21 season on the road against St. Mary’s on Tuesday, Dec. 15. In the meantime, regular practice has resumed for winter sports as the North Dakota High School Activities Association lifted pandemic related restrictions effective on Monday, Nov. 30.

The Minot Daily News asked Magicians’ 13th year head coach Dean Winczewski for his thoughts on the upcoming season, and how he plans to get the most out of his squad on the hardwood this year. Here is what Winczewski had to say via email.

MDN: What are your expectations heading into the season?

Winczewski: We are expecting to experience some growing pains early, but we will grow and have a real chance to be competitive by February and March.

MDN: What kind of adjustments have you made due to the interruption of the winter sports calendar?

Winczewski: Most of the adjustments have been handled by our administration. Our biggest change has been wearing masks in practice and learning to communicate through them.

MDN: What do you think will be the biggest challenge of coaching in this new environment brought on by the pandemic?

Winczewski: Bringing energy. With few crowds and smaller crowds, it is going to be dependent on our kids to take accountability to bring the energy themselves.

MDN: Who are some of your key upperclassmen you are expecting big things from this year?

Winczewski: Deonte’ Martinez has to be a leader on both ends of the floor, and Michael Ross needs to lead through example. All of our seniors have to be willing to take on a greater role in teaching the younger athletes the expectations and how to fill them.

MDN: What are some of the team goals you hope to accomplish by season’s end?

Winczewski: We are going to be working to at our best by March, so everyday has to be used for growth.

MDN: What is the most rewarding aspect of your job at Magic City?  

Winczewski: The best part is working with young athletes and helping them to realize they are capable of more than they know.