North St Paul’s points and assists leaders from last year sit down and unravel the answers to some questions regarding this upcoming basketball season and its expectations in order to reach a state title.
Bryce Phillips, returning senior from last years team averaged the second most points with a solid 10 points per game and the most assists per game with about 5.

Goodnews Kpegeol, D1 prospect returns from last year averaging 21 points per game and looking to capitalize and increase that number, meanwhile, building his name on the charts of 1,000+ point scorers on high school varsity as he was inducted into the club late last year as a Junior.

I began by asking both athletes, what is their goal for this season for the basketball team.

“I want my team to keep working hard and I want to make it to state and win with the support of our school during the season”, said Phillips as it seems he was about his business when speaking.

“State Championship” was plain but very bold and straightforward. as Kpegeol exclaimed. Those two individuals nearly spoke for the whole team when asked those questions. Why? Because this family and brotherhood all have the same mindset and goal for this season.

I asked the two bigtimes, how do they believe that their teammates can help accomplish the ultimate goal for this season.
“They can help by trusting the process and playing together because when we play together, we are nearly unstoppable”,said Goodnews.

After the response of that question, I didn’t bother to ask were they planning to switch up their contributions to the team more or less.

Phillips said, “I want to score more and keep my team involved but mostly I want to average more steals and less turnovers”.
On the other hand, Kpegeol said, “I feel like i needs to contribute more in other areas like rebounding and giving out more assists. But, scoring is still a big part of that too”. Sounds like they are planning to do their roles and as for the rest of the team, they are expecting and expected to do theirs.

Phillips, entering his 3rd year as a part of the varsity squad, and Goodnews Kpegeol entering his 4th, I asked what was their advice to their teammates since they have about the most varsity experience. 6’5 Shooting Guard, Kpegeol said, “You just have to play together and you have to be focused. Every team plays hard so you just have to limit mistakes and you will be successful”.

6’0 Point Guard, Bryce Phillips said, “Never give up and work for what you want”.

There’s many ways to translate that advice into multiple purposes but its pretty interesting to hear the responses from those two. My final question regarding two of the co-captains were, do you have a different mindset going into the season.

Bryce Phillips said, “Its the same. Win conference. Win Sections. Make it to state.” enforcing his seriousness behind it.
Goodnews Kpegeol answered, “Yes. KILL. KILL. KILL. We aren’t taking any prisoners” while solidifying his point.

There’s much to watch for in this next defining season for North St. Paul as they extend their journey towards a state title this year in boys 4AAAA basketball.