It’s the start of a new season for Riverside Brookfield Boy’s Basketball. After a disappointing 12-16 season, going 7-7 in conference and a loss in the regional semifinal against Whitney Young, the Bulldogs look to get back onto the winning track.

Last season marked the end of an era for Bulldog basketball, with Tom McCloskey retiring after 21 years as head coach. But the start of the new season, brings a new head coach, former assistant Mike Reingruber.

Last season’s team finished third in the Metro Suburban Conference (MSC) behind IC Catholic Prep and Glenbard South. The Bulldogs are hoping to bounce back for the upcoming season.

“We were all disappointed with last season,” said Reingruber. “The expectation is to win conference, and that’s what we want to do.”

Before MSC play can begin, the Bulldogs participated at the VandeMerkt Tournament competing against Rich East, Morton (Cicero), Wheaton North and Oak Park River Forest (OPRF). The Bulldogs finished the tournament 1-3, winning against Wheaton North 57-56.

“It definitely wasn’t the results that we wanted,” said two year varsity center Jason Bageanis. “They were all really great teams, who had lots of talent.”

The loss to OPRF was the largest loss, with a final score of 73-52.

“OPRF was the best team we played during the tournament,” said Bageanis. “They’re gonna go far this year, they’re one of the top teams in the state.”

The Bulldogs open conference play against IC Catholic Prep, who beat the Bulldogs in both games 70-73 and 57-62 last season.

“The MSC is full of tough opponents,” said Reingruber. “IC is one of our toughest opponents, they’re a great and well coached basketball team.”

With teams including Glenbard South, Illiana Christian, Aurora Central Catholic, Fenton, Wheaton Academy, St. Edwards, as well as IC Catholic Prep, it looks like a tough schedule for the Bulldogs.

“Of course it’s going to be tough,” said Reingruber. “But I like our chances this year.”

The Bulldogs start their homestand tomorrow night against IC Catholic Prep at 7:00 pm.