Three Forks Voice - Connect With Your Community!

After two consecutive trips to the state tournament, the Three Forks High School boys basketball team did not rest on their laurels and worked extremely hard during the offseason.

According to head coach Terry Hauser, the Wolves who will open the season Friday at 7 p.m. at the Imerys Tournament against Huntley Project got a lot of experience and played some really good competition over the summer.

"The offseason was great. We lost a few close games this summer and I told the kids that the main reason was that we weren't physical enough. The kids bought in and have worked really hard in the weight room which will help us out," Hauser said. "The kids have been gym rats this offseason and I have seen so much improvement from the start of the summer till now."

After losing an incredibly successful group of seniors following the 2018-19 season, Hauser said they cannot be replaced but the kids can learn and take away from how those kids led the team the last few years.

"I think we are building a program and tradition never dies. Winning is usually contagious and I have all the faith in these seniors this year," he said.

Leading the way for Three Forks will be the talented senior trio of Zach Pitcher, Dustin Dalke, and Micaiah Hauser, all of whom have played big varsity minutes for the team.

"Those three seniors are awesome. I really trust that they will lead us in the right direction. Their all great kids and love the game which helps. I've coached Zach Pitcher for four years now and he is the most coachable kid I've probably ever coached. Dustin has worked hard in the weight room and it shows. He's way stronger than he was last year. Micaiah missed (most of) last year, and I know he's eager to get going. He should have a great year," Hauser said.

In his fifth year as Wolves coach, Hauser is also looking for Tyler Williams and Zane Hansen to see some significant minutes during the season.

Micaiah Hauser is a key returning player for the Three Forks High School basketball team. File photo

"Zane was sidelined with an injury last year and like Micaiah is ready to play this year. He will help us out inside. Owen long and Austin Allen both sophomores will play a huge role as well. If they can step up, I truly believe we could have another fun and competitive year! "

Looking towards the Imerys Tournament, Hauser admits that it is the first weekend of competition, so it is not going to be pretty.

"As a coach, you never feel prepared enough especially your first game. I want the kids to compete and play hard. Communication will be a huge point of emphasis along with body language. I always say play hard, play smart, play together and if you do those things you will have a ton of fun!"

Three Forks will wrap up the Imerys Tournament Saturday at 7 p.m. against Fairfield.