Sports - January 2004

Basketball journey continues for Knights

Published January 9, 2004

By JOHN MARK BROOKS, Staff Writer

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North Lincoln basketball coach Scott Sekal refuses to make excuses for his team’s dismal 0-12 start.

Instead he focuses on the journey and not just the destination.

“Our journey is not a one-year journey. I’m going to return all my kids back next year and not very many teams can say that,” he said.

The journey involves many ups and downs, surprises, luck and learning lessons about basketball and life along the way.

Perhaps the most valuable lesson the Knights have learned this season came last game against the undefeated Cherryville Ironmen. North Lincoln competed fiercely and was still in the ball game at halftime.

Sekal said small feats like that makes his basketball team improve and gain confidence.

“We were down to Cherryville by 13 at the half and that’s a positive for us. The kids were excited. It’s not our ultimate goal, but you have to take steps toward any goal to be successful,” he said.

With no senior class and the Knights not boasting many players that have extensive basketball experience the journey becomes more difficult.

The only member of North Lincoln’s team that has any prior varsity experience is guard Wayne White. White’s touch and three-point shooting is what stands out to Sekal.

“He can shoot the ball as well as any kid, but Wayne’s movement is what we’re constantly working on to get him even better,” he said.

With White being the lone veteran, Sekal has to be patient. He’s doing just that.

“They’re learning a lot about the game of basketball. We’re getting to play against phenomenal athletes at the varsity level. We’ve had some success at the junior varsity level,” Sekal points out.

That admission is not just about getting the junior varsity players some recognition. It is in many ways a sign of things to come for the Knights’ basketball program.

For now, Sekal will focus on the positives, not just his record.

“Positives can be lots of different things basketball. It’s a game of spurts— who can maintain the spurts and make as few mistakes as possible,” he said.

The leader for the Knights is post player Kenny Bethea. Beathea was named to the Peoples Bank Holiday Clash All-Tournament Team and has been in double figures numerous times.

“He had only played JV basketball to this point and time. Kenny’s actually playing out of position. He’s had to guard kids that are bigger and stronger than he is. Kenny’s doing a better job every time he steps on the floor,” Sekal said.

Role players like Aaron Mintun have given the Knights a valuable lift doing the little things that don’t show up in the box score. Sekal is proud of Mintun’s willingness to do the less than glorious tasks.

“What a lot of people don’t realize is the center position in the post is a big help-side position. Aaron has really stepped in since Christmas and drawn five charges. We only had two charges up until Christmas as a whole team,” he said.

Alex Loftin, Kyle Baker and Peyton Brady have handled the bulk of the ball handling responsibilities. With the Knights being inexperienced, the various full-court presses and traps have sometimes caused numerous turnovers.

However, Sekal is proud of the three, along with White, stepping in and putting their best foot forward in a precarious situation.

“Playing the guards’ spots they’ve had to handle all the pressure all the other teams has thrown at us. That’s one of our tougher roles. They’ve had to run the offense and defend very talented guards,” he said.

Win or lose, the coach is more focused on the bigger picture.

“High school basketball is not just about wins and losses— it’s about getting an education and learning. I refuse to let myself or the kids get frustrated,” he said.

And the Knights continue on their journey.

© 2001 Lincoln Times-News  

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