Expect better things from Bengals

Though his team's season ended 12 days ago, Blaine's boys' basketball coach Ted Critchley remains close to his stat sheet and fired up about the Bengals' prospects for 2008-09.

Blaine finished with a 13-15 record, but within that pedestrian mark were trends to indicate progress. In their first 10 games, the Bengals were 3-7. In their final 10 games, they were 6-4 and posted a season-best four game winning streak.

A glance at the roster gives hope for progress as well. Juniors Dylan Rodriguez and Billy Giddings tied for the Northwest Suburban Conference lead, averaging 19.2 points per game (Rodriguez edged his teammate by one point overall). Other key contributors such as Kyle Kreklow, Mike Lust and Jeff Harstad will also return.

"I think this team is capable of challenging for the Northwest Suburban Conference championship next season," Critchley said. "I do believe these kids are capable of something special."

Critchley spoke with Star Tribune reporter David La Vaque about his expectations for success next season.

Q How have things been going in your first two seasons?

A I wanted to bring a different style my first year, I wanted to play a more up-tempo style. We had a few athletic kids who could play that style, and we incorporated some younger guys. Billy Giddings got into the lineup about half way through his sophomore year, and he is quite the athlete.

Q You went 9-19 your first season and 13-15 last season but you seem really excited about where your team could go from here.

A It's a shame our season is over because we were starting to play a lot better. And we will have almost every one of our top guys back next season, including the two leading scorers in the conference.

Q Your season ended in the section playoff semifinals. How important was it for your team to not go one-and-done in the playoffs this season?

A It was really important, but we want to take it farther. If we can consistently get to the section finals, then anything can happen. But this year, we were down nine points in our first-round playoff game and we came back to win. That's important for our confidence.

Q I imagine you have set the bar high for your returning players in terms of expectations.

A We have. But I think, as seniors, these guys will be more focused on what it takes to get things done. And they will be focused on extending their seasons. They already are. I've seen our kids in the gym shooting together and lifting weights. And I know we'll have a few guys playing AAU ball that never have before.

Q Talk about Rodriguez and Giddings and what they bring to your team.

A Billy is a slasher and Dylan is a shooter. We typically put them on opposite sides of the floor because it gives them room and spreads out the defense. They have a special connection and they play off each other well.

Q Who else are expecting big things from?

A Mike Lust is 6-foot-5 and a great rebounder. He grabbed 10 or more rebounds in five games this season. I think he can give us more scoring next season. Kyle Kreklow comes from a great basketball family and he knows the game very well. He's the glue out there for us. And Jeff Harstad, who is also 6-foot-5, can play any of the five positions for us.

David La Vaque • 612-673-7574