The most recent Communiqué issue was published Dec. 4, leaving a two-month gap in newspaper coverage. During that time, basketball has been the only sport in season, and both teams are now entering a critical point in their schedules.
Men’s Basketball: The Eagles started their first five games since Dec. 4 with a measly 2-3. After that, they went on to have their hottest streak of the season, winning eight straight, totaling a 10-3 record in that span.
“I feel like our men’s team is really catching their stride right now and playing their best basketball,” said athletic director Todd Rima.
Their season record currently sits at 18-5, with a 10-4 conference record. This season, the Eagles’ have five players averaging double digit points: Sophomore forward Tyler Netolicky (11.7), sophomore guard Ben Bockman (11.7), freshman forward Cole Marsh (11.7), freshman forward Manasse Kasongo (11.3) and sophomore guard Chris Coleman (10.6).
Women’s Basketball: After starting the season 12-0, the women’s basketball team faced some road bumps. Since Dec. 4, they went 13-3, but those three losses don’t tell the full picture. In two of the losses, the Eagles lost by only two points, and the third loss came during overtime, when they lost by just five points.
The Eagles season record is currently 19-3, with a strong 13-2 conference record. Sophomore guard Olivia Wren is leading Kirkwood with 12.4 points per game. Sophomore guard Aaliyah Riley and freshman guard Bra’Ja Torry are both averaging 4.2 and 4.0 assists per game respectively. Freshman forwards Kaci Crum and Dasia Foster are both averaging about 5 rebounds per game.
During this time, winter break took place. This gives athletes the opportunity to rest their bodies and focus solely on the sports that they are playing.
“I think the break is good but not too long. Kids need days off, but in our situation, you can’t have a very long break,” said Kim Muhl, women’s basketball head coach. “I say it’s a good thing overall—you just can’t let it go too long.”
The combined 26-6 effort from both basketball teams showed that, with rest and academic relief, they could focus on winning, and that’s what they did.
“The wear and tear of being a student-athlete takes a lot, and winter break gives them an opportunity to recover,” added Rima.
Categories: Basketball, Sports
