News Summary

Mount Vernon High School has announced Doug Novsek as the new boys basketball coach, bringing over 30 years of experience to the program. Novsek previously served as associate head coach at Eastern Illinois and has a successful playing history. He will be joined by young assistant Robin Duncan as they look to improve on last season’s performance of 13-13. The community anticipates a positive change in team dynamics and hopes for a winning culture in the upcoming season.

Mount Vernon Welcomes Doug Novsek as New Boys Basketball Coach

Big news for sports enthusiasts in Mount Vernon! The recent announcement made at the MSD of Mount Vernon board meeting on May 20 has everyone buzzing: Doug Novsek has been appointed as the new boys basketball coach for Mount Vernon High School. After a six-year tenure with the previous coach, Joe Newcomb, which saw the team gain double-digit win totals in four of those seasons, this change represents an exciting transition for the Wildcats.

A Wealth of Experience

Doug Novsek isn’t just any coach; he brings over 30 years of experience at the college level. He has honed his skills at several institutions across the country, including big names like Indiana State, Nebraska, and Southern Illinois. Most recently, he served as the associate head coach at Eastern Illinois, working under coach Marty Simmons from 2015 to 2018. His journey as a coach is built on a solid foundation of playing experience—he was a standout at Southern Illinois, where he not only played but also captained the team for two years.

Record-Breaking Legacy

Novsek’s basketball journey began long before his coaching career. During his high school days, he scored an impressive 2,193 points, placing him 91st in Illinois high school basketball history. His talent was further highlighted when he was named a second runner-up for Illinois Mr. Basketball during his senior year. It’s clear that Novsek has a deep-rooted passion for the game, and he’s eager to bring that passion to Mount Vernon High School.

Welcoming New Team Members

Joining Novsek is Robin Duncan, a promising young assistant coach who graduated from Harrison in 2018. He brings valuable experience from his college days at Vermont and has even played professional basketball in Europe for LWD Basket Leeuwarden. The synergy between Novsek and Duncan could be a game-changer for the Wildcats.

A Look at the Upcoming Season

The Mount Vernon Wildcats finished last season with a record of 13-13, a decent performance that saw them reach the sectional semifinal against Memorial. The good news is that they will be returning six of their top seven scorers, including standout All-PAC guards Meyer Robb and Nash Hostetter. With Robb averaging 15.2 points and 5.6 rebounds per game, alongside Hostetter’s 12.0 points and 3.3 rebounds, the stage is set for a competitive upcoming season.

Setting Goals and Building a Strategy

As he takes on the new role, Novsek emphasizes a volleyball playing style focused on hard work, sharing the basketball, precision, and being both opportunistic and aggressive. This approach could be just what the Wildcats need to change their fortunes—especially considering the program hasn’t won a sectional title since 1988. The team has potential, and it will be interesting to see how Novsek implements strategies drawn from his extensive coaching experience.

Community Excitement and Future Prospects

With this fresh beginning, the Mount Vernon community is buzzing with excitement. The team, the coaching staff, and the fans are looking forward to seeing how Novsek’s unique approach will not only shape the team dynamics but also inspire a winning culture. As the team gears up for the next season, the sense of hope and anticipation is palpable. Here’s to new beginnings and exciting basketball days ahead in Mount Vernon!

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