Eagles learn to stretch their wings and fly

SEELEY LAKE – The Seeley Lake Elementary Eagles boys basketball team is going into the Copper League Small Schools Tournaments as the first seed. Head Coach Brett Haines said it has been a great season with an athletic, solid team that has continued to improve their offense.

This year there were 20 athletes on the A and B teams with seven eighth graders and one seventh grader on the A team.

"When you have that many eighth graders you would like to see yourself at the top," said Haines.

Haines said the team is athletic. While they don't have any super stars, "they are all solid. When a team matches up with us, they can't just shut one down, they have to contend with every one of my players. Every one of my kids can cut, is athletic and can play so if a team has a weak spot in their lineup, we can exploit it."

The Eagles had a couple early losses to Drummond and Philipsburg. Neither team is in the Copper League.

"We had trouble scoring. That has been kind of our issue for the season, is our offensive play," said Haines. "Our kids are really coming along and shooting better and are playing more confident. I know my kids would like to play those early games again."

Their only other loss for the season was at an away game against Potomac Nov. 27. They lost 9-17 but less than a week later on their home court won 36-28. Haines attributes the difference to increased shooting ability and playing in SLE's larger gym.

"My kids are athletic and can move so a bigger gym suits us better because we spread out," said Haines.

With Potomac and SLE each with one loss to each other, a coin toss placed SLE first seed in the tournament and Potomac second.

Haines highlighted the strengths of his seven eighth graders.

Wyatt Stout is the team leader as the point guard. Haines said he sets the tone of the game, gets the plays going and can drive.

"I watch these games where he is getting fouled or hacked and he has never said one word," said Haines. "That is one of his greatest strengths is he just plays, never cries or whines about anything, just keeps playing and stays at it."

Haines said Owen Hoag has really come along with his shot and is playing good defense.

Klayton Kovatch passes the ball well, reads the court, drives and makes his layups. Haines added he has also been playing good defense.

Haines said Johnnie Stout has been pulling down a lot of good rebounds for the team and is just a solid player.

Kaden Thornsberry is a tough defender for the Eagles. Haines said he has come a long way with his shot and is now an offensive threat.

Haines said Ben Haley's ball handing and reading the court has improved as well as his shooting.

"Ben has a lot of heart and loves the game. He gives us a good effort," said Haines.

Ari Nicholas is a left-handed player that gives a different aspect to the team. Haines said his defense has improved and he is good at shooting the outside shots.

Cannon Hawkinson was the only seventh grader brought up to play on the A team. Haines said that he was brought up because of his athletic ability. He is looking forward to having him as a leader next year.

"We had a great season so far. I'm loving it and really enjoy the kids," said Haines. "We've always played hard, we are just playing better."

Haines said going into tournaments they have high expectations and he wants to see the boys in the championship game. Their first game is Dec. 11 at 4 p.m. at SLE. They will play the winner of the Dec. 10 game between Clinton and MIS. If they win, they will be in the Championship Game at the Adams Center Dec. 18 at 1 p.m. against the winner of Potomac versus DeSmet.