Eagles’ bench making an impact
March 7, 2016
With the men’s basketball team clinching its third straight state tournament appearance and a shot at history with the school’s first 3-peat, most of the attention is focused on the starting five.
Fans on the outside, however, may not realize the importance of the team’s bench players. From cheering on the players in the game to helping them prepare, the bench is vital for the Eagles’ success.
“From the bench, we can provide that next level energy,” Noah Sigwarth, ‘17, said.
Fellow juniors Sam Herrig and Jon Becker agree. “We provide that extra spark for the guys at all times of the game,” Becker said.
“Celebrating big plays helps shift the momentum in close games and can give the guys that extra edge,” Herrig agreed.
On the practice court, however, the bench players compete on the scout team, mimicking their upcoming opponent’s style of play. “The key is to prepare the starters for the game,” Austin Savary, ‘17, said.
“We just try to keep it competitive,” Riley Bohr, ‘17 said. “It’s good to remind the starters that they have to earn everything. It’s not given.”
At times though, the scout team can be more than just competitive. “The white team is unreal,” Becker said. “At times we can really get it going and give the starters a good game. If the next opponent shoots a lot of threes like Linn-Mar, we get to chuck up a lot of shots, and if they fall, Coach English can get a little nervous.”
Overall, the bench players love the opportunity to help the Eagles as they attempt to make school history and tie a state record with three consecutive state championships. “Personally, I think it’s awesome to cheer on the guys,” Becker said.
With the Eagles’ first state tournament game on Tuesday against MOC-Floyd Valley, the scout team will help the starters prepare for a team that shoots over 40 percent from three on 500 attempts.