By Michele Burris
The Lady Blackhawks are having a tremendous season with a record to date of 26-2. They are the reigning District Champions as of last Saturday when they stomped the Jasper Eagles, a victory that advances them to the sectionals round of Class 2 basketball on Wednesday, March 2 in Clinton. This major milestone, coupled with a WEMO conference title and champs of the Midway Tournament, is indicative of the true meaning of TEAM.
In his first season as Head Coach, Shaun Bruto has created a camaraderie among the varsity players that is undeniably beneficial on the court. Along with Bruto, Assistant Coach Meghan VanSlyke has brought a great deal of wisdom and leadership to the team in her first year with the Lady Blackhawks. The starting rotation of Malory Moles, Lauren Shipley, Bailey Reed, Sheldon Tallman and Anna Walley is key in that they have played basketball together for a long time. Under Former AHS Head Coach Amy Basore and their little league and JH coaches, the Fab 5 have a well-established foundation for the fundamentals of the game. The strides they have made individually and together through the years is significant.
The success of this team runs deep...so deep that every single player on the varsity team has stepped up whenever called upon. Coming off the bench quite a bit this season is Kerigan Wimsatt, who has played some of her best basketball ever in District action this past week. Camryn Pruitt, a freshman, has been a well-prepared, ready-to-play substitute for Anna Walley whenever needed. The other non-starters have been more than ready to assume their roles on the court, and they have done a fantastic job. There are injured Lady Blackhawks who cannot play but continue to be leaders and supporters of their teammates at practices and during games.
This team, from the coaches to the starters to those waiting to play and those who are injured, is the epitome of what a team should be. From what this Lady Blackhawks fan has observed, the starters encourage and assist the non-starters. Non-starters are top-notch teammates who are far less concerned with play time because they are too busy cheering for and supporting the players on the court. Every player listens to and respects the coaches. They strive for team unity and it shows! After winning the district title, tears were shed by starters and non-starters alike. They all shared hugs and words of congratulations. I absolutely loved witnessing every single player take part in the celebration of their TEAM.
With a unity and bond like no other, I am so excited to see how the Lady Blackhawks play down the stretch. Their teamwork is contagious and it will motivate the cheerleaders, the student section and the fans to unite in boosting the Blackhawk Pride atmosphere away from home. No matter what happens from here on out this season, the Lady Blackhawks have sure made Adrian proud! Good luck against Skyline this Wednesday, ladies!
The Lady Blackhawks are having a tremendous season with a record to date of 26-2. They are the reigning District Champions as of last Saturday when they stomped the Jasper Eagles, a victory that advances them to the sectionals round of Class 2 basketball on Wednesday, March 2 in Clinton. This major milestone, coupled with a WEMO conference title and champs of the Midway Tournament, is indicative of the true meaning of TEAM.
In his first season as Head Coach, Shaun Bruto has created a camaraderie among the varsity players that is undeniably beneficial on the court. Along with Bruto, Assistant Coach Meghan VanSlyke has brought a great deal of wisdom and leadership to the team in her first year with the Lady Blackhawks. The starting rotation of Malory Moles, Lauren Shipley, Bailey Reed, Sheldon Tallman and Anna Walley is key in that they have played basketball together for a long time. Under Former AHS Head Coach Amy Basore and their little league and JH coaches, the Fab 5 have a well-established foundation for the fundamentals of the game. The strides they have made individually and together through the years is significant.
The success of this team runs deep...so deep that every single player on the varsity team has stepped up whenever called upon. Coming off the bench quite a bit this season is Kerigan Wimsatt, who has played some of her best basketball ever in District action this past week. Camryn Pruitt, a freshman, has been a well-prepared, ready-to-play substitute for Anna Walley whenever needed. The other non-starters have been more than ready to assume their roles on the court, and they have done a fantastic job. There are injured Lady Blackhawks who cannot play but continue to be leaders and supporters of their teammates at practices and during games.
This team, from the coaches to the starters to those waiting to play and those who are injured, is the epitome of what a team should be. From what this Lady Blackhawks fan has observed, the starters encourage and assist the non-starters. Non-starters are top-notch teammates who are far less concerned with play time because they are too busy cheering for and supporting the players on the court. Every player listens to and respects the coaches. They strive for team unity and it shows! After winning the district title, tears were shed by starters and non-starters alike. They all shared hugs and words of congratulations. I absolutely loved witnessing every single player take part in the celebration of their TEAM.
With a unity and bond like no other, I am so excited to see how the Lady Blackhawks play down the stretch. Their teamwork is contagious and it will motivate the cheerleaders, the student section and the fans to unite in boosting the Blackhawk Pride atmosphere away from home. No matter what happens from here on out this season, the Lady Blackhawks have sure made Adrian proud! Good luck against Skyline this Wednesday, ladies!
Comments
Post a Comment