New Mount Baker senior boys basketball coach Doug Bolander has seen many things in his 30 years of coaching. One thing he knows for sure is that success on the court comes from hard work and commitment. From what Bolander's seen so far of his young players, he's impressed.

"These kids are some of the nicest I've met," he said. "They're awesome kids. They just want to learn. It's just a matter of getting things into place."

Before coming to Cranbrook, Bolander taught and coached at Campbell Collegiate in Regina. His last year at the school, the team finished fourth at Saskatchewan provincials. The year before, they finished second.

Bolander was part of a school group that would travel to the East Kootenay every year for a ski trip. He and his wife loved the area, and thought about making the move. With their children, grown up and living in nearby Calgary, the Bolanders made the jump.

"We played Mount Baker in Edmonton and lost to them," he recalled. "I talked to Greg Colburn (then Mount Baker coach and current school athletic director) about coming to Cranbrook and helping him. With Greg taking his Master's, the void was there."

Despite losing several starters from last year including big man Shawn Penner and high scoring guards Matt Larsen and Connor Hall, the Wild should be solid.

6'4 shooting guard Brady Atwood, who started last year and was one of the team's top scorers, returns and brings sharp shooting, athleticism and experience to the starting line-up. Other returnees include quick guard Clayton Thibeault and versatile forward Neil Dobie.

They will be joined by several exciting newcomers including Quinton Gates, a grade 12 forward who moved to Cranbrook from Okotoks, and guard Henning Clemens, an exchange student from Germany. Both are expected to contribute right away.

"Lots of people in my hometown made this school exchange to experience the culture and meet people," said Clemens. "I thought it might be a real good experience and I wanted to see Canada and the nature here."

Clemens decided on Cranbrook for his exchange so he could experience the natural beauty of the area, and Mount Baker for their strong athletic program.

"In Germany it's more about playing basketball for a club," said Clemens. "I like it better to play for a school and represent your school as well as your town. I'm really looking forward to this season."

Among those coming up from the junior team are 6'3 forward James Stechley, another long range shooter, and athletic guard Chris Rushworth. Rushworth, who is originally from England, can push the tempo and key the Wild fastbreak.

The Wild will be hosting a basketball camp on Sunday, Nov. 22 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Mount Baker gym. The camp is for boys and girls from grades 5-9.

"This camp will give kids the opportunity to learn different skills from different people," said Bolander. "And they'll get the chance to meet other kids from different schools."

Bolander will be the head instructor at the camp and will be assisted by the Wild players.

During lunch, which is provided by main sponsor McDonalds, the Wild senior boys and girls team will play a scrimmage game with split squads.

The camp is $30 if registered before Nov. 13 and $35 after. Players can registered at Mount Baker. Registration forms can be picked up at the school as well as the Kootenay Advertiser office. For more information call Bolander at 250-426-8486.

Hoop Happ'nin's:

>On Nov. 2, former Mount Baker hoop star Harvey Bradford gets a chance to play against the mighty Gonzaga Bulldogs as his University of Alberta Golden Bears team travels to Spokane for an exhibition game against the NCAA powerhouse. Bradford, a starter and captain, is in his fifth year at the University of Alberta. Gonzaga made it to the NCAA Sweet Sixteen last year and was led by current Detroit Piston Austin Daye. This year's Zags team has four Canadians in the line-up including 6'10 guard Kelly Olynyk from Kamloops.

>There is a basketball officials clinic taking place Saturday, Nov. 21 at Parkland School in Cranbrook. The clinic starts at 8 a.m. and will be in room 237. Tim Heide from the Fraser Valley Association will be the clinician. The clinic is open to anyone who would like to officiate this year. For more info email reporter@kootenayadvertiser.com.