Teamwork defined girls hoops team this past season

Teamwork+defined+girls+hoops+team+this+past+season

Jenna Pinter

The Amherst Falcons Girls Basketball Team of 2022-23 enjoyed some shining moments this season with many more to come in the future.  

The team this year was coached by Brandon Trzebiatowski. In an interview with the young coach before the season began he was asked what he would like to see from the team this year. He replied that work ethic and “giving 100 percent all the time” were at the top of his list. He acknowledged his senior girl players as being great leaders, models and mentors to the younger girls on the team. He was very impressed with how the girls showed up with smiles on their faces ready to play. This sense of teamwork undoubtedly aided the team this season.

Coach Trzebiatowski also commented that he believes that defense wins the game. He wanted his players to play defensively at all times. He noted that everyone always wants to shoot the ball but that a team that plays defense has a better chance of winning. 

Team looks to emerge from middle of the pack

              This year’s Falcons were missing some of the players from last season who were not only fabulous players but were also very tall which definitely helps on the basketball court. This year’s team may not have had the height of last year’s team but has talented, athletic players who do not give up and hustle 100 percent of the time on the court. They modeled teamwork and perseverance. A great group of girls to watch.

Amherst belongs to the Central Wisconsin East Conference. Teams include Amherst, Bonduel, Iola-Scandinavia, Manawa, Menominee Indians, Shiocton, Weyauwega Fremont and Wittenberg Birnamwood.

The Falcon girls have started out the season with pretty even statistics. They had an overall record of 6 wins and 6 losses (as of Jan. 10). Their conference record at that time was 2 wins and 3 losses. There have definitely been some shining moments for the Falcon Girls.

The year in review

 The Falcons started their season on November 17 with a 55-37 win against Waupaca in non -conference play. The team then traveled to Brillion and lost 58-37 followed by a second non-conference loss to a powerful Freedom squad, 64-27.  

The Falcons turned it around with a win on Dec. 1 against Adams Friendship, also a non-conference win by a score of 40-36. They followed that up the next day by defeating Weyauwega Fremont in a conference game, 61-40. Their strong play continued against conference foe, Shiocton, winning by a score of 47-34. On December 13 they traveled to Bonduel, their luck finally coming to an end by a score of 64-31. That, unfortunately, was followed by another loss on Dec. 17 by a score of 48-37 against Iola Scandinavia. The girls bounced back with a win against Markeson in non-conference play, 44-22. The up-and-down play continued with a loss against Westfield, 64-31.

Over the holiday break, girls played in a tournament featuring teams from Iola, Edgar and Pacelli. They defeated Pacelli, 53-39, and then lost to Edgar, 49-31. Both were non-conference games.

Upon their return from break, the Falcons opened the new year against the Menominee Indians, a conference game on the road.

Team thrives at home; a look at upcoming games

       The record for the Falcons after the first eight games was 4-0 in home games and 1-3 on the road. The girls definitely seemed to shine when they were at home in front of their loyal and supportive fans.

      The Falcon girls were sparked by some great individual performances. Senior Haley Peske was credited as having three steals in the game against Markeson. Senior Peyton Jamstrowske had 3 steals against Edgar and Senior Sydnee Schulist had 3 steals against Iola. This team does not give up. You can’t take your eyes off of them for a minute. They are quick, smart and fast. Juniors Tatum Maves and Scout Spadini have shined on the court with their shooting and their all-around play at both ends of the court. They are truly a team to watch.

This was an exciting team to watch because of their hustle, hard work and perseverance on the court. They work together and never give up. As Coach Trzebiatowski said in his pre-season interview with Zaleski Sports, he wanted a team that has great work ethic, plays defense and gives 100 percent all the time. These girls attempted to do just that!