Page 188 - 1996.Milard.North

Team unity, motivation, and

-
wea'kne ses insp_ired la~ers.
earn o a s - against Milia

In a gar
1
Shooting a
West, juni
free-throw in
the home
Ryan Arne
goes fo1
Omaha South
by Michelle Lee game against point in a Ire
throw sh•
is junior Ryan
Arnold. Free- Free-thrm
Shouts from fans were not attained by sheer hind a lot. But our weak- throws, were rewar
for bei
reverberated around the luck. Many varying factors ness was inconsistency. We although they fouled. In be
carried only
room while sweat poured off contributed to wins. lost games we shouldn't have one point, of the gam
the boys varsity basketball Coach motivation because we weren't pumped could make a played agair
this new riv
players' faces. There were had a vast effect on players. up enough," senior Mike big difference ~
in the outcome
only a few "G. Johnette is laid-back, but Santa Maria said. of the game. dominate
seconds left expects excellence of his These weaknesses, photo by Beau photo by Be.
McBry
McBryde
"We were really close as a in which to players. These two qualities however disheartening, of-
tie the game. create a comfortable atmo- ten strengthened the team.
team this year; it helped us Beneath the sphere for all players, yet "We thought we had a really
palpable one where everyone wants good team going into the
pull out of close games. " tension to win games," senior Doug first game, but we lost. This
weighing Downey said. motivated us to practice
down the Team spmt and harder, and we ended up win-
sweltering gym, the ball was unity, too, affected how they ning the next one," Santa
passed to a player at the played. "We were really Maria said.
three-point line, who tossed close as a team this year; it Unfortunately, in
it in scoring direction. helped us pull out of tight addition to these inspira-
As MN fans held a games," senior Jason Mat- tional high points, downers
collective breath, both sides ter said. also peppered the season.
watched with incredulous Despite many "Losing to Lincoln North-
eyes as the ball swished in, strengths, though, the team east had to have been the
thus tying a game that MN displayed several weak- worst because we were up at
later won after two grueling nesses. "We were able to the half, but we just couldn't
overtimes. As easy as it make shots when we had to come back," senior Brandt
may have looked, victories because we came from be- Vlieger said .•

Going for a
three-point
shot at the MN/
MWaway
game is senior
Brandt Vlieger.
This game
against new
rivals was won
by MN. photo
by Beau
McBryde

- Team meetings, both before, during, and after the game, were
important to form strategies and strengthen team unity. Here, players Eric
Hammer, Josh Evans, Eric Brown, Jason Matter, Brandt Vlieger, Steve
Eck, and Doug Downey gather around coach Gerald Johnette before the
game. photo by Kimberly Swartz

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