Manson NW Webster

MANSON NORTHWEST WEBSTER

COUGAR BOYS

The Manson Northwest Webster boys more than doubled their win total last season from the year prior, and now, head coach Caleb Wubben is looking to make another big move in the right direction.

With five returning letterwinners and four starters back, the Cougars have a solid base to build around. They are also bringing in four key sophomores to provide depth to the rotation.

“We are expecting some big things from our seniors this year,” Wubben said. “They have had a good offseason coupled with their experience over the last two years. We are also excited for some of our sophomores to step up and fill spots vacated by last year’s seniors.

“Our guys have put in a lot of work this offseason to be successful. We are hoping we can finish in the top-half of the (Twin Lakes) conference this year, which would be a huge step for our program.”

Senior Colby Essing is back after averaging 10 points, three rebounds and 2.5 assists per game a year ago, and he is flanked by classmates and fellow starters Brody Poppen and Reece Olson.

Poppen posted 7.6 points and 6.5 rebounds, with Olson adding 7.7 points and almost three boards. Junior Carson Widlund is another returning starter, while classmate Jake Markert provided five points off the bench a year ago.

Kelan Koval, Matt Condon, Logan Moline and Grant Pohlman are all prospects from the 10thgrade class.

“Colby has improved his defensive game, while we are expecting both Brody and Reece to provide more in the scoring column and produce for us,” Wubben said. “Carson and Jake are both strong returning players.

“Kelan has the potential to provide us a spark on the offensive end, while we are expecting big things out of both

See COUGARS, Page 25

Messenger photos by Britt Kudla

MANSON NORTHWEST WEBSTER BOYS BASKETBALL

returning letterwinners (top photo) are, front row (left to right): Colby Essing and Reece Olson. Back: Carson Widlund, Brody Poppen and Jake Markert. MANSON NORTHWEST WEBSTER WRESTLING returning letterwinners (bottom photo) are front row (left to right): Owen Eldridge, Kamden Birkey and Drake Jones. Back: Ethan Egli, Ian Kohnen, Cooper Harman and Leon Cook.

Rost Motor Inc.

Sales & Service