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Finishing the last season at the bottom of Region 7, with a 2-19 record, has put a fire in the Richardton-Taylor Raiders basketball team as they look to turn heads in the 2022-23 season. A returning class of upperclassmen will be leaders on the squad, and will bring determination and dedication into rebounding the Raider’s reputation.
The team's upperclassmen are senior Dylan Kessel and juniors Marcus Cuevas, Logan Kessel and Caisen Dohrmann. They have all put in time during the off season, building their physic and team chemistry.
“Our three captains have embraced their roles which says a lot about our team work,” Kari Dohrmann, Raiders head coach, said. “The younger kids have made practice a little more competitive than last year, it’s exciting to see.”
Senior Dylan Kessel is a forward player, with good passing and is expected to be the squad’s leader. Coach Dohrmann said that he has shown the ability to take charge and that he will have a strong presence in the post.
Caisen Dohrmann will also be another post player that is coming into the season as a record breaker. Last season he broke three program records, including for most rebounds and blocks in a game, with 27 and 10 respectively. The third being most rebounds in a season with 207.
Cuevas will be running the offense as their point guard and coach Dorhmann said that his development since last year has been substantial.
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“[Caisen Dohrmann] is an all around player and will fill multiple roles for me. I expect him to build on his successes. His experience and work ethic will help us to develop the team I know we can be,” Kari Dohrmann said. “I have a lot of confidence in [Cuevas] to do well. I am impressed with his energy I’ve seen at practice.”
Their last addition to their starting lineup is freshman Kane Rivinuis. The freshman stands at six feet and will be meaningful in attacking the paint, while gaining the young player valuable varsity experience. The Raiders have six underclassmen on their team that could see some minutes as well as they work to keep their culture alive for the near future.
“We are a young team and with our lack of varsity experience will need to work hard and stay positive. I am happy with the kids' effort at practice and that will have to continue throughout the season,” Dohrmann said. “That little extra work we put in everyday can make all the difference in games. Our kids have set some goals for themselves and the team and I am looking forward to seeing them meet those goals.”
