Two Beginnings, One End

With the winter sports season coming into full swing, both the boys and girls basketball teams look to improve over last season. However, the first major step, is overcoming the brutal tryout week. For most players, this is the first step of their basketball careers. Others prospective athletes dread the awful running and intense workouts of the tryout process.. Varsity starters Jordan Swann and Abby Scheidel provide the inside scoop on their upcoming season, alongside Boys’ Head Coach Bob Harbison and Girls’ Head Coach Larry Mitschow.

Last year, the boys team had a disappointing end to their season with a first round exit out of the Section 2, Group 3 Tournament. However, Harbison is optimistic about this upcoming season. “I’m hoping that we will be better than we were a year ago,” said Harbison. “We have three starters returning, and a lot of experienced players.”

When choosing his team, Harbison prefers players with the complete package. Most importantly, he is looking for a player that can help lead by example. “I feel like leading is best done by accepting one’s role,” said Harbison. “Some players naturally lead better than others.”

One player very optimistic about this upcoming season is Boys Varsity Guard Jordan Swann. “ I believe we are going to do really well this season,” said Swann. “We have a lot of hard working guys on this team, we are going to be just fine.” Swann believes his scoring and playmaking ability can help the team in as many ways it could. A mutual goal for the team is reaching that 18 victory mark.

On the girls side, the team had a stellar season finishing (16-9). The girls were also able to finish (13-1) in the SEC Liberty Division. Cementing their league title in stone for the 2017-18 season. Mitschow is confident in his team, despite the rough schedule. “Our schedule is going to be extremely difficult, but our players are experienced enough for the challenge,” said Mitschow. “So although our record might not be as good on paper, we will have a great season.”

As a coach, Mitschow has been with the program for 21 years. He had spent his first 14 years with the boys’ program, and the last seven with the girls. While Mitschow’s coaching style may be more vibrant than what his players initially expected, his passion and love for the game is truly remarkable.

Junior guard Abby Schiedel is also very confident in her team and coaches. Abby hopes to reach that 1,000 points mark, and make another all conference appearance for the second year in a row. Abby believes her court vision as a point guard helps provide open looks for her teammates. “I feel like we could go really far this year,” says Schiedel. “We have a lot of young talent that will carry on to the next season as well.

With both players and coaches fully invested in winning, the boys and girls are willing to do whatever it takes to have a successful season.