Cougars varsity basketball teams rack up wins
Sandy Creek basketball teams start off their season against Centura and Wood River
The Cougars both take home a W in non-conference play over the weekend to kick off the season. On Thursday night, the varsity boys team started the season with a win against the Eagles of Wood River 66-59, while the girls beat the Centurians of Centura Friday night 45-37 in the first home game of the year. Both teams are hoping that they can carry the momentum through the season.
Mr. Matt Swartzendruber, boys head coach said, “That was a great way to start the season for us. It’s always great to get an early win.”
While both teams have managed to start the season with wins, both teams are also young and inexperienced. After losing several senior starters, the teams are filling the bench with players who saw little varsity time last season and incoming freshmen.
“I think it’s a great experience for me, and it’s a lot different than playing jr. high basketball,” said Gavin Lipovsky.
With a total of 8 freshman boys and 6 freshman girls going out this season, a few who will be suiting up for varsity, the future of both programs look strong.
“I think our team will achieve a lot in the next few years with all of the young players going out,” said Swartzendruber.
While both the girls’ and boys’ team boast several seniors leaders in the varsity lineup; Gabe Muñoz, Warren Wilson, Nick Bailey, Jayden Traudt, Nate Hayes, Lauren Shackelford, Addison Kuta and Barbara Rodriguez, few of these seniors saw substantial playing time last season.
Mr. Jared Blackwell, the assistant coach for boys varsity basketball and the coach for junior varsity boys basketball, said, “Outside of one player, the team members had about 10 minutes of varsity play combined before this year. Once we get the jitters out, the team will be able to compete at an even higher level.”
Along with their wins, the basketball teams each experienced a loss in the weekend’s varsity matchups. The girls’ loss came in the season’s first game against Wood River with a final score of 39-47 and the boys’ fell to Centura 59-62 in a nail biter on the Cougar’s home court.
“Our first two games were not as good as they could have been, but I think we will improve a lot over the course of the season,” said Rodriguez.
The losses suffered by both teams have put a damper on the otherwise positive season opening weekend. These young teams will have to continue to work hard in practices and play their hearts out all season if they hope to make it to postseason play in Lincoln.
“Overall, I’m pleased with their effort, but Friday we had some mental breakdowns that cost us the game. We’ve improved in a lot of different areas, and I think we’ll continue to improve,” said Swartzendruber.