Storm Start Season Strong with Four Wins; Lady Storm Struggle in Opening Games

MIKE MOTZ

Sidney Sun-Telegraph

CHAPPELL--With a few down seasons for both Storm teams in the past, this year’s teams are looking to turn around their fortunes and be competitive again in District D2. So far, the Storm team is making a good showing while the Lady Storm team, low on players and experience, is struggling in the early-going.

For the boys, they started their season with a big win over Wauneta-Palisades 57-to-43. The Dundy County - Stratton team came into Chappell on December 7 and had their way with the Storm, serving up a 70-to-28 defeat. But the Creek Valley boys rebounded nicely and rattled off three wins in a row. They took down Arthur County 49-to-39, followed by edging past Bayard 48-to-45, before a big win against Potter-Dix 60-to-53.

Coach Brown has some superior athletes on his squad, led by junior Lane Brenneman who is averaging over 25 points per game. Junior Mason Timm is a solid shooter averaging in double-digits in scoring and averages over 10 rebounds per game. The athletic Zander Polk scores, blocks shots, and is always a threat to steal away the ball. The Creek Valley team has a solid foundation, and looks like it will improve as the season progresses. Look for the Storm to be a surprise contender when it comes down to Subdistrict time in the Panhandle.

The Lady Storm are in a different position, however, with seniors Ava Fraass and Karsyn Burgman leading a squad of young players. The Lady Storm have dropped all five games to start the season by wide margins, and need to work on fundamentals before they can become competitive. The team has a few solid players that can get inside and score, but other teams are putting pressure on the seniors and forcing the younger players to execute.

With time, the girls should be able to do a better job dribbling and passing, and be able to set an effective offense. But it will take time, and look for the Lady Storm to be short on wins for most of the season. They do have an opportunity for a win on Tuesday, December 17, as the match up against Peetz, another area team struggling with inexperienced players. Coach Baker needs to have her girls focus on the fundamentals and work together to improve and become competitive by the end of the season.