Q&A with Matt Hintz

By Erik Buchinger

The Hortonville boys’ basketball team came a game away from the state tournament last season, and the Polar Bears bring back a few key pieces from last season, including Ryan Krueger, who recently signed to play Division I college basketball for South Dakota State.

Head coach Matt Hintz answered 10 questions about the upcoming season.

Years coaching the team: 5th.

Returning players (grade): Ryan Krueger (Sr.), Charlie Schabo (Sr.), Mitch Mocadlo (Sr.).

Players to watch (grade): Chandler Guyette (Jr.), Jay Welson (Jr.), Bryce Cross (Sr.), Kameron Krueger (Jr.), Braden Vallafskey (So.).

Team goals/expectations: Compete on a nightly bases. We challenged ourselves with our schedule, so gradual improvement throughout the season with our inexperienced players and peek in time for the tourney.

Team’s strengths: Senior leadership, length.

Team’s weaknesses: Strength, experience, defense.

Teams to beat in conference: Oshkosh North, Kaukauna, Fondy, Kimberly.

Biggest games on the schedule: Every game. We play in a great league with all tough teams and then we play SPASH, Eisenhower, Rapids and North Scott, the state runner-up from Iowa. We will have a lot of big games.

What you want players to get out of this season: Memories for a lifetime, whether its basketball related or friendships formed.

Why fans should be excited for this team: They play with passion and play together. They’re great people first and foremost and great young men.