Submitted
The Hamilton Heights seventh-grade boys basketball team had an exceptional season this year.
The boys finished an outstanding 19-7 on the year. The team had impressive wins versus Noblesville West Middle School twice, Kokomo twice, as well as an amazing performance in the MIC tournament to beat the 15-0 Logansport Berries at home, who had gotten the best of them earlier in the season.
“Each and every boy reached new heights in their abilities on and off the court,” Coach AJ Field said. “We strongly hit academic success throughout the year, stressing details and asking for help in the classroom when needed. They all impressed me with their growth in the classroom as the season went on. On the court we strongly stressed our mental focus and discipline. Starting the year off we were winning games but struggled to put together a complete game. As time went on, we pushed each of the boys mentally, finding that next gear on the court. We put focus and effort into the little details that go into winning games, and we eventually got to that point during our last nine games. Through that final nine game stretch, we were 8-1 with our only loss being to Fishers in the County Championship game.”
Field gave a shoutout to his “college” coaching staff: Austin Nicole, Derrick Dean, and KJ Williams.
“They did an amazing job, bringing a sense of intensity and a huge few sets of helping hands and different sets of eyes to help see things that I could not see,” Field said. “We all became very close and had a great deal of fun watching all of the boys grow on and off the court, and that was all thanks to their help. I also want to thank our cheer squad who were steady source of spirit and support for the team.”
At the end of the day, noted Field, “the boys played some outstanding basketball this season. “They are a very promising group of boys, and I cannot wait to see what they do as a team in the coming years. Along with that, I know that each of them will do great things for this world as time goes on. I am extremely proud to be called their coach.”