The Chanute Blue Comets are heading into their second season under head coach Devon Crabtree. They’ll look to improve from last season’s 7-14 record behind returning starters, junior Kam Koester and senior Garrett Almond. 

“I will look at our seniors and players that have varsity experience for on-court leadership this season. We will need them to guide and help our younger players or players that do not have much varsity experience,” Crabtree said, “We are also going to need to lean on those guys to be incredibly positive with the extra adversity we will be facing with this unique year.” 

Whenever a new coach takes over a team, there will be certain on-court challenges; this year Chanute’s players have had one year under Crabtree and can have a better idea of what to expect. Crabtree is hoping, now that they have the system in place, they can improve on the execution.

“The biggest challenge last season was teaching the guys our ideas and all of the x’s and o’s in such a short amount of time. This was the first year for me as a head coach and the first year for them learning about me and how we are doing things,” Crabtree said.

Chanute’s strengths come from shooting and speed. They’re looking to fly up and down the court and make three’s in the half court. Crabtree is focusing on improving their defensive and rebounding capabilities.

Of course, this year poses a new challenge: COVID-19. Due to the pandemic, the Comets will be playing without fans. 

“The biggest change will be all of the new challenges that covid19 brings to the season. It is going to be a very unique year. We will also have many new faces that will be playing significant minutes,” Crabtree said.

The Blue Comets will face the Caney Bullpups on Tuesday, December 8th at 7:30 pm.