Gritty is the adjective Adel-Desoto-Minburn Tigers boys basketball coach Aaron Mager used to describe the players taking part in preseason practices this week. Monday opened the 13th season of Mager’s coaching career at ADM. Mager spoke with Raccoon Valley Radio Wednesday about preseason storylines ahead of the 2017-18 campaign.

Among the top storylines is the number of new faces the Tigers will have on the floor this year. The Tigers graduated 88 percent of their scoring in May, including first-team All-Raccoon River Conference guard Tajen Ross. Senior Cole Knoll is the only key returner from last season. Knoll, a two-year starter, and letter winner ranked fifth on the team 107 points scored. Despite not having much experience, Mager praised his players for being resilient.

“They’re a persevering, blue collar, don’t mind working hard consistently type of group.” Mager said, “That’s huge because I think that’s part of who we are and the types of kids we connect with the easiest rather than somebody you have to rev up all the time or try to get them to play the full throttle.”

The newest season of ADM Tiger boys basketball tips off November 28, hosting the Pella Christian Eagles in nonconference action. The Raccoon Valley Radio Network will provide live play-by-play coverage of ADM girls and boys basketball games this winter on True Country, K 107.9.