Holdrege, Neb. – It’s safe to say the 2022-23 Holdrege Dusters boys basketball season was memorable. Last year’s Dusters were one possession away from a state tournament berth, set multiple player records, and delivered a thrilling double-overtime sub-district final win over Cozad. It would not be an overstatement to say the story of the Dusters’ journey last year will be told for a while.
As most things go, however, that chapter has been finished, and Holdrege has moved on to a new season. Head coach Brandt Runge is confident that his team will not face the regression that many would normally predict. Despite the loss of three tremendous seniors, Jackson Hinrichs, Jaxson Karn, and Cole Guthrie, the Dusters look to rebound nicely with another solid group.
Junior Garret Johnson looks to continue his historic run as one of the best shooters in the state of Nebraska. Runge says not only is the third-year starter ready to take the reins during games, he’s also bringing that energy in practice. Returning players Coy Swanson, Wyatt Pfeifer, Kegan Steinke, and Nick Weides will also be there to lay down a strong foundation. It may be difficult to match the intensity and excitement of last year, but it looks very possible.
The Dusters begin their season on Thursday, November 30, at Centura.
