Virginia City Muckers Seeking Revenge for Upcoming Season

After a heartbreaking loss in the state basketball championship last year, the Virginia City Muckers are hungry to come out on top this year.

“The goal is always the same. You know, compete for a title at the end, and hopefully win one,” said Head Coach Clint Hess.

With a long offseason behind them, the team is working hard and building great relationships. 

Both Hess and Assistant Coach Jake Turner admire the leadership role taken on by the new captains, Caleb O’Lee, Luke Branson, and Derek McCoy.

“We've had this year's seniors and then one junior, Derek, step up and kind of take on that role and fill those shoes that may look like they're hard to fill, but they've done a good job at it,” said Turner.

Not only are there new leaders, but there are also new role players.

“We have some younger guys on the court, playing some serious minutes, people who have never played with certain people before,” said Hess. 

Despite these new roles, the team is proud of its chemistry and “close-knit” culture.  

As for the players, they have accepted these new roles with open arms.

“Sharing a role as a captain, I have to lead more by example and just help out the younger guys,” said O’Lee.

 It’s not just the captains stepping up, though. 

“I'm just trying to make them better basketball players in general and better people,” said Virginia City High School Junior Layton Huxhold.

The Muckers are more motivated than ever.

“What motivates me is losing by two to Smith, last year in regionals and state. Not getting what we thought we deserved,” said McCoy.

When asked to describe the team in one word, Caleb O’Lee said, “Determined. Determined to get back to where we were last year and determined to win it all this year.”

This team-wide feeling is giving the Muckers the strength and drive they need to get over the hump. 

Coach Hess’s key matchups this season:

• VC at Pyramid Lake Jan. 6, 7 p.m.
• VC at Smith Valley Jan. 8, 7 p.m.
• VC vs. Hawthorne Jan. 16,  7 p.m.
• VC vs. Smith Valley Jan. 24, 5:30 p.m.
• VC at Hawthorne Jan. 30, 7 p.m.
• VC vs. Pyramid Lake Jan. 31,  5:30 p.m.