CRETE, NE — It’s a new era for Crete boys basketball.

Tony Siske takes over as Cardinals head coach after stops at Norfolk and Scottsbluff. He guided those programs to state championships in 2017 and 2012 respectively.

Siske says he really enjoyed Norfolk but wanted to get back to a smaller school.

“Before Norfolk I was at Scottsbluff and I really enjoyed that size of school," Siske said. "I had a brother that coached here, and just from everything I’ve known of Crete it seemed like a good place and it’s proven to be that so far.”

It’s a new school, but the foundation for Siske’s program will be the same.

“We have three expectations for our players," Siske said. "We’re going to play with great effort, we’re going to have a great attitude and we’re going to be great teammates.”

The pandemic doesn’t create an ideal environment for a new coach to implement his systems, but sophomore Tadd Tebrink says the players are taking to the new schemes.

“It’s a lot of new stuff so we’re learning on the fly," Tebrink said. "It’s going pretty good, though. I think we’re learning a lot better than I thought we would.”

One game into the season and the young Cardinals team has shown some ability. They took down Columbus Lakeview 49-29 on the road. Siske credits the players for putting in the effort in practice.

“They’ve worked extremely hard," Siske said. "They’re trying to do everything we’re asking of them. It’s fun to come to practice every single day.”

You can watch Friday's Crete vs. Hastings game on News Channel Nebraska.