“Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win’s championships,” said Ja’Tawn Williams
Before the whistle signals the start of a new season, the Latrobe Varsity Basketball team is already on a roll! The team is full of amazing talent with both new and old players and they are about to make this season one to remember. The team has refined their skills and sharpened their strategies because this year it’s not just about the game- it’s about unity, growth, and the thrill of winning.
“The key to success is failure every mistake teaches you something,” said Danny Noonan
The team’s coaches are the backbone of the team. Their unique coaching style, which bends discipline with encouragement, has been essential in shaping the team. With years of experience, they have seen it all: the highs of victory and the lows of defeat. They use their past successes to build a strong, competitive team ready to face any challenge. The coaches analyze each game, and each player then uses their advantages accordingly. This approach plays a key role in the team’s success.
“This year’s hopes are two fold. First, we want to earn the extra season. Secondly, we want to earn our way into the PIAA playoffs. Ultimately our goal is to peak at the end of the season, finding our best basketball performance when we need it the most. This year we hope the players classmates and the community members come out to support us. It has been our concerted effort this season to give the fans a brand of basketball that is fast and unselfish. If we can do this, I firmly believe we will find success this season,” said Brad Wetzel the head coach
The team itself is very well-coordinated, each player knows their moves, strengths, and weaknesses. Communication is key on and off the court strategizing and supporting each other. So that when they win it is a shared victory. The team captains, Quadarius Davis and Ja’Tawn WIlliams are both seniors. They are motivators, strategists, and part of the glue that holds the team together.
’m very excited for this basketball season because it is my last year wearing the number 3. Every year has been a different challenge. My favorite part is the discipline. The Latrobe basketball system builds strong-minded individuals. I am looking forward to winning. I know winning isn’t normal, and I’m willing to step outside my comfort zone and help my teammates as well do so,” said Quadarius Davis.
With the start of their new season, they are off to a great start. They played against Richland High School on 12/2/23 and won with a score of 60 to 30! On 12/5/23 they suffered a bad loss of 111 to 49 to West Virginia. However on 12/12/23 though they bounced back with a score of 87 to 81 against Quaker Valley.
