Chargers Take On Verona As They Advance To Regional Semi-Final!
Photo from Roberta Pratt.
Adu Reghuram
Hey basketball fans! Instead of focusing on our usual NBA updates articles, why don't we focus on our very own Hamilton Chargers basketball team!
Wow, just like that our very own Hamilton Chargers have reached the regional semi-final of the Greater Metro Conference. High school sports have always been a thrill to watch. From the student section screaming the weirdest chants to the bench going crazy, it is safe to say it's an exhilarating element of sports. Though we witness the thrill and exuberance, how crazy can it get in the playoffs? How does the thrill of standing on the fluorescent red bleachers really feel through the spine-chilling run-downs and collisions?
Hamilton
Through days, weeks, and months of hard discipline and work, produced an astounding result. Accomplishments such as winning a conference can not be under-appreciated. The Greater Metro Conference (GMC) - formed in 1917 - is one of the best conferences in the state both academically and athletically. Extremely talented teams such as Marquette, Brookfield Central, Brookfield East, and Wauwatosa West all lie in the hands of the GMC. Even though the Chargers faced adversity, distress, and entanglement, they came out strong and exceeded expectations. Today, we will talk about player statistics and analyze their opponent. The Chargers will play this Friday on March 3 against Verona at our very own Hamilton High School. Like always, ATTENDANCE IS MANDATORY!
Hamilton Chargers Top Three Scorers
At number three, we have junior Aidan Konop. Konop made his debut during the middle of this season and bounced back as if he never left, averaging 10.9 points per game. Coming in at number two, we have senior Cameron Bratzke. Bratzke has always shined in the spotlight with his lethal shooting as he is averaging 13.4 points per game. Finally coming in at number one, we have the senior captain of the Chargers, Luther Smith Jr., who is putting up an astounding 27.5 points per game. Scoring is one of the most important and galvanizing aspects in the sport of basketball. Will the Chargers scoring exhibition carry over into their game on Friday?
Hamilton Chargers Top Three Rebounders
When watching high school sports, we witness many players and teams as a whole use physicality to their advantage. The Chargers have a lot of tactics and strategies down in their bag, but our physicality is unmatchable. Coming in at number three, we have senior Luther Smith Jr. who is averaging 4.4 rebounds per game. Coming in at number two, we have senior Cameron Braztke averaging 4.5 rebounds per game. Finally coming in at number one, we have our senior QB1 Nate Kollath averaging 5.8 rebounds per game. We are bound to see physicality in Friday's match as this game will be very competitive.
Verona
When looking at Verona’s roster, I can tell they lack size. Forward Andrew Murphy is their tallest player standing at 6’5. Anything could happen on Friday night as undisputed talent will share both sides of the court.
Verona Top 3 Scorers
#3: Senior Gavin Farell - 15 points per game
#2 Sophomore Tre Poteat - 16.4 points per game
#1 Sophomore Andrew Murphy - 19.2 points per game
Despite our size being more dominant, we can not overlook the young talent that is displayed.
Verona Top 3 Rebounders
#3: Senior Finley Deischer - 4.7 rebounds per game
#2: Senior Gavin Farrell - 5 rebounds per game
#1 Sophomore Tre Poteat - 9 rebounds per game
Even though we may have a slight advantage when it comes to size, Verona shows heart and determination by putting their bodies on the line.
Be There On Friday!
On Friday night at 7:00 P.M, we will witness Verona (12-8) come in to face Sussex Hamilton (13-3). Two teams with undisputed talent facing off in an electrifying playoff atmosphere. The basketball program here at Hamilton will hold a special spot in history as winning conference does not happen every year. The Chargers should be proud of themselves even if they lose. Hamilton has earned the home spot for the regional semifinals and the team would like the bleachers to be packed.
Here’s a message from Luther Smith Jr. #1:
“What an amazing four year experience I've had here at Hamilton! Words cannot describe the fun and enjoyment I have encountered. Since the first day I stepped foot into Hamilton, there was an immediate feeling of being a part of a family. Throughout my four years, I have created so many relationships, which I believe are meant to go beyond high school. From the classroom onto the basketball court, this program and community has shown nothing but top notch support. With that being said, we could really use your support this weekend! Our basketball team has earned a home game for the regional semi final and we want to FILL THE GYM! Our game is at 7:00 at Hamilton this Friday March 3, and if we win, we will play on Saturday, March 4, potentially at home again. Please come out and support our team, we hope to see you in the stands this weekend!”
Tickets are available at the door or through this link:
With my final words, I will conclude with this message, ATTENDANCE IS MANDATORY!
