NOCTILUCA January 2018

SPORTS Appleton, Wisconsin January 2018 Volume XXlll

Issue III

Page 12

Great trip, great competition for Girls’ Basketball

“We wanted to play in an- other holiday tournament like we did last year,” said Levy. Clearly that extra bonding and competition helped in getting a state championship a few months later. It will be inter- esting to see if they can do it again this season. The girls really enjoyed spending time together in the warm weather. Brekke and Levy both agreed on that. It was a nice vacation, but at the same time, they were able to compete at a high level against great competition. Overall, it was a great expe- rience for the team. The bond- ing and added chemistry may prove to be well needed in the long run when the Lady Light- ning make another deep play- off run that hopefully leads to another state championship in March. Interested in writing for sports? Contact Kyle Hoffenbecker at HOF600040@stu. aasd.k12.wi.us if interested!

By Kyle Hoffenbecker The Girls’ Basketball team before one of their highly competitive games in Florida. Photo courtesy of Sandia Brekke

some of the best high school competition this country has to offer. “We faced some of the best competition down there,” said Senior Sydney Levy. Teammate Kari Brekke added, “The teams we played were very physical and ath- letic. Similar to teams you play in AAU basketball. Very skilled overall.” Florida is

one of the top states for high school recruiting for all sports, not just basketball. Many ath- letes in the state are recruited nationally and are the talk of many major sports media out- lets, like ESPN. In addition to the extreme talent the Lady Lightning had the privilege to play, there were ample opportunities for team bonding. Team chemistry

is vital for any sports team, but when you’re as successful as the Lady Lightning have been for the past couple of years, it becomes even more important. “There was a lot of team bonding! We went to the beach a lot, attended a Tampa Bay Lightning hockey game, and rented a 15 passenger van, which resulted in a lot of amaz- ing car rides,” said Brekke.

Wisconsin winters can be tough. An opportunity to leave the state for warmer weather is an opportunity most students take, including the Appleton North Girls’ basketball team. Over winter break, the Lady Lightning were not only able to escape the bitter cold and snow, but face off against

Athletes of the Month

Sydney Levy - Senior - Basketball

Ian Laatsch - Junior - Wrestling

1. How did you get involved with wrestling?

1. How did you get in- volved with basketball?

Wrestling has always been in my family, so I started in kindergarten and I haven’t stopped since. I also play lacrosse and football, but wrestling is hands down my favorite. Winning conference and making it to the state tournament in wrestling last year. The individual aspect of it. When you’re out there it’s all on you, nobody else. School always comes first. No matter what.

My dad got me involved. I started playing basket- ball during 5th grade.

2. Are you involved in any other sports, if so which is your favorite?

I currently just play bas- ketball, so obviously that is my favorite.

2. Are you involved in any other sports, if so, which is your favorite?

Photo courtesy of Sydney Levy Levy during the state champi- onship last year.

Winning the state cham- pionship last season, hands down.

3. What has been your favorite high school sports moment so far?

3. What has been your favorite high school sports moment so far?

The relationships you build and the great experi- ences and life lessons that come with the game. You need really good time management to fit ev- erything into your schedule. I still find a way to manage school, sports, and my social life, but it can be a challenge at times .

4. What is your favor- ite part about basket- ball?

4. What is your favor- ite part about wrestling?

5. How do you man- age your time between school, sports, and any other activities you are a part of?

5. How do you man- age your time between school, sports, and any other activities you are a part of?

Photo courtesy of Ian Laatsch Laatsch getting his arm raised after a victory during a meet.