Doran, Seyer to fill leadership roles

The CSB basketball team begins their season this weekend. They will play at home against the University of Minnesota Morris and Bethany Lutheran College in a Tipoff Tournament that will last two days, Nov. 12 and Nov. 13.

The Bennies are hopeful heading into this season with many returners, including two seniors and five juniors.

They also have two transfers who will add a new perspective and level of expertise to the court.

“Our roster of 21 athletes is deeper and more athletic than a season ago, which gives our staff more options and flexibility to utilize our team’s strengths,” said head coach Mike Durbin.

However, this will be the first season this team will play without Maddie Schmitz, who is a key loss for the Bennies. Schmitz was one of the team’s main scorers, and also helped out tremendously with rebounding.

Despite the loss, the Bennies are hopeful heading into this season. According to senior Maddie Doran, preseason scrimmages have been going well and the team is looking forward to starting their season.

With well over half of the Bennies having experience with MIAC play, they are confident in their ability to succeed this season, despite only having three upperclassmen who were starters last year, according to Durbin.

Junior Maria Klein agrees, adding that the team is “very versatile, and utility heavy… with multiple players can play multiple positions if needed.”

Durbin is also optimistic about the team’s leadership.

Doran, senior Kate Seyer, and junior Tori Szathmary are this season’s captains, who he expects will bring their experience, encouragement and mentorship to contribute to the team’s success later on this season.

Additionally, Klein is confident in the underclassmen’s ability to step up for the team this season.

“Sophomores are really stepping up with being leaders and helping the seniors and juniors take control. This team does well with communication,” Klein said.

One of the things the Bennies hope to focus more on is their defensive play. According to Doran, the team is working hard to foster a defensive mentality in practice that they hope will translate to games.

They believe this will be a huge piece in their success this season.

“I would certainly like for us to be more consistent and determined at the defensive end of the floor … I believe we have the ability to score, but we will have to be a fearless and relentless rebounding team to be successful,” Durbin said.

Another factor in the Bennies’ success will be their ability to play together as a team, which also serves as one of their biggest motivators.

“My teammates are huge to me and some of them are my best friends. I play for them, and we all have each other’s back. I always look forward to seeing them at practice and playing with them on the court,” Doran said.

After last season with COVID, Durbin looks forward to seeing fans in the stands and the potential for 25 regular season games.

In particular, Doran and Klein are both excited about the opportunity to play Gustavus.

“They always have a good program. They have a very competitive and aggressive team… I am looking forward to competing against them and raising the bar in the intensity,” Doran said.