By Tamas Mondovics
This year’s winter athletics could not have ended on better terms at East Bay High as the school’s basketball program managed to do something that hasn’t been done for over 40 years.
Program head coach, William Teeden, who has just completed his fourth season at East Bay, was proud of his players following their 58-43 victory over the Brandon Eagles, which earned the school and the program its second consecutive district title.
“It’s something that hasn’t been done at East Bay since 1968,” Teeden said. “I am very pleased and couldn’t be more proud of the young men. They have exceeded all expectations.”
To win the title, the Indians finished the season with a 21-6 record as well as made the playoffs for the third year in a row, but Teeden emphasized that the boy’s success had everything to do with performing the fundamentals.
“We shot the ball very well, but we were also very aggressive defensively holding the Eagles scores to limited opportunities,” he said.
It is noteworthy also that the Indians success came on the back of a relatively young team that began the season well, but demonstrated some signs of complacency.
“The challenge was to make sure we continue to get better and understand what it takes to be a great team,” Teeden said, but added that a few tough losses against teams that should have been beat as well as a review of those games and reflecting and understanding what it takes to win them took care of the problem.
Proud of his boys as well as thankful for the tremendous support from the student body and faculty, Teeden was ready to lead the program as it faced the rest of its post-season challenges.
While mentioning several key players such as Jonathan Jean, Anton Crutcher and MJ Williams, all of whom stood out during the season and contributed to the season’s success, Teeden gave credit to the entire program as well as every member of the team who stood out; proving that they were more than just talented athletes.
“They are a great group of student-athletes who did not shy away from supporting their community including volunteering during Christmas vacation at the Good Samaritan Mission,” he said. “The guys have been active in the community and are well deserving of their accomplishments.”
This year’s competition on the Indians basketball court may be over, but with 11 players scheduled to return to next year’s team and, in hopes of possibly earning a third district title, expectations are high.
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