"I've learned a lot of things over my four years at Northland College," said LumberJack Basketball senior Hunter Moe. The 6-foot-3 wing-forward has been a big constant for the Jacks for the last four seasons. As the LumberJacks head into their second straight contest versus a higher-level opponent, this time taking on NCAA Division II program Bemidji State on Saturday, Moe took the time to reflect back on his four-year career with the Jacks.
 
"The biggest thing that keeps me going when things aren't going well is my teammates," says Moe. "One can't help but love the guys that surround me. We're honestly a real family. It's the closest group we've had in my time here at Northland."
 
LumberJack Basketball Head Coach Scott Sorenson agrees.
 
"It's such a different group," stated Sorenson. "You can feel on a daily basis just how much these guys like being around each other, stepping onto the basketball court together. It's been a few years since we've had that trust and comradery."
 
Building that level of closeness hasn't been easy for the Jacks, however. A difficult start to the season this year, after an incredibly tough time during last year's Covid interruptions, have the Jacks testing their own resolve and motivation.
 
"I think that's when you really find out what you're made of," Moe said. "Not just as a person and a player, but as a team. It's been a rocky couple of years, between Covid last year and this year's start, but I honestly feel that this is the group that can get through anything. We chose to stay together, no matter what. As a senior on this squad, I've been through the battles and I know what to expect. My job is to show the young guys who haven't been through the grind of a full season what it takes to be successful."
 
The Jacks schedule certainly doesn't allow for much time to relax. The Jacks first 5 opponents this season have lost a grand total of only 4 games so far. Having a chance to play scholarship level squads will continue to test Northland's fortitude. However, that's nothing an experienced student-athlete like Moe isn't accustomed to.
 
"I, and we, have been through some difficult stuff the last four years to say the least," said Moe. "But I'm incredibly grateful to have had the chance to continue my basketball career at Northland and at the college level. It was always a dream of mine to play college ball, and now I'm blessed to do it every day."
 
"Since he arrived here, Hunter has been one of those guys who shows up every single day," Sorenson concurred. "Not just himself physically, but mentally. You know what you'll get out of him and you know the effort and I.Q. will be there. If, or when, Hunter decides to become a coach, there's no doubt in my mind that he's going to be a really good one. We're extremely lucky that he chose to be a LumberJack."
 
As for the progress the Jacks hope to make with their relatively inexperienced team this year, Moe believes he can translate the lessons he's learned over the past four year to help the program take the right steps.
 
"I've learned so much about the game and myself that I'll carry with me forever," said Moe. "I've learned about leadership, dedication, and sacrifice. My job this year is to impart on my teammates the lessons I've learned so that they get a head start on knowing how to be successful. I'm so thankful for my experiences at Northland, on and off the court. I wouldn't be the man I am today without Northland."
 
The LumberJacks head to Bemidji, Minnesota for a 3pm showdown with NCAA Division II program Bemidji State University on Saturday.