The Lakeview Bulldogs Varisty Basketball team has started off with a record of 3-0. On December 5th the team traveled to Liberty then moved on over to Mcdonald on the 8th and finally on the 12th played Niles. They did all this while playing on the road and dealing with personnel issues. They are led by a coaching staff of Head Coach Matt Baker, assistant Coach Frank Newton, Junior Varsity Coach Chris Romano, and finally Freshman Coach Nate Fox. The win over Liberty was also Baker’s first Varsity win. I asked Baker what it was like getting his first Varsity win. This is what he had to say about the experience.
Baker said, “Great feeling all around, it was less stressful considering it was a 25 point win. But nerves were still getting at me till the very end.”
Lakeview opened their season with the Liberty Leopards, who last year they lost to. Liberty is a fast athletic team, Bulldogs however game planned. Every Coach dreams of getting their first win. Baker’s dream was fulfilled and fulfilled handily with a 25 point dominating performance. I asked Baker what he was most impressed with during the first few games.
Baker gave is insight, “Our effort level, and how we took care of the ball and how we kept our poise under pressure.”
This was one of Lakeview’s biggest issues with last year’s team. This team has improved dramatically in late game situations with handling pressure and taking care of the ball. Effort level as well has also increased across that board. Lastly, I asked Baker what he was trying to do to keep this momentum rolling into league games and for the rest of the season.
Baker stated, “We got to take it one day at a time one practice at a time and one game at a time. We can’t be worried about our previous wins but we’ve got to be focused on the next game.”
Basketball is also about momentum and not passing over teams. This year the Northeast Eight conference is very strong. Any team can beat any team and it is very important to not overlook any teams. I asked some of the players how they felt about the momentum they have going for them right now.
Senior Isaiah Warner gave us his opinion on the games. He said, “As a team, we are very happy and excited about the season, starting 3-0 is something we seniors haven’t been a part of yet. GO DOGS”
Lakeview Varisty Basketball team going three and zero is something that hasn’t happened in a while.
Warner also stated, “This is a special team and we really have a chance to go far.”
Lakeview is looking to have revenge from last year and hopefully go deep into the playoffs. Finally, Zach Poptic had something to add.
Poptic added, “This has been a great experience and so far its very fun to be on a winning team.”
Putting in all the effort at practices, showing up on holidays, and putting in work when no one is looking leads to winning these games to be much more fun. Lastly, I asked a student fan what they thought of the run so far.
Senior Ellie Davies, “The Mcdonald game was my favorite out of the three so far because both teams were very aggressive it was the kind of game that kept you on your toes and kept you guessing who would eventually pull out and win the game.”
Overall the Lakeview Varisty Basketball team is rolling. They play Howland, which is a Division 1 team, and want the stands full of students!
