Boys Basketball Succeeds in the Face of Adversity

Emma Knick

The ALHS Shoremen basketball team began this year optimistic, but they have faced many obstacles that nobody could have predicted. The Shoremen were ready to get the season underway, but then the Shoremen team got quarantined, not once but three times. There were times that it seemed that their season may not be able to continue. However, the Shoremen have rised to the occasion and are continuing to play despite many setbacks.

Michael Corbo, the senior leader of the Shoremen basketball team, is a stop and pop shooter that can knock down shots from anywhere on the court. His ability to shoot and drive makes him a force to be reckoned with.

The energy that he provides both offensively and defensively for the Shoremen is why the team has made a great comeback after being quarantined for a total of six weeks out of their season.

“Being quarantined throughout the season was definitely tough, but the team stuck together, continued to work hard, and stay conditioned on our own throughout our time out of the gym,” Corbo said.

Not only is Corbo’s physical game strong, but his mental game is just as strong. If you are on the opposing team against Corbo, watch out.

Despite the adversity that the Shoremen team had to face, the team learned great life lessons along the way, and the team’s willingness to stick together allowed them to beat their rivals down south, Avon.

“Covid has taught not only myself but the entire team that it is important to stick together during hard times and to only focus on things that you can control,” Corbo said.

The boy’s head basketball coach, Eric Smith, has been a part of the Avon Lake basketball program for quite some time, however, he has never experienced anything like he has this year.

With much experience under his belt, he has been able to encourage his team that “you are who you are during adverse situations” and to stay focused in such strange times.

“I have been very proud of the team and how they have handled the situation. They have stayed very positive and focused,” Coach Smith said. ¨During the quarantine we had multiple google meets as a team to watch practice and game film to make corrections when necessary, and everytime we have come back from a quarantine situation they have continued to work hard in practice.¨

Not being in the gym was a struggle for the boys, however, the Shoremen utilized their time to ensure they were still keeping up to pace as much as they could with what they were given.

Keys to the Shoremen’s success after quarantine have been their senior leadership.

“The 3 players who have really stepped up in a leadership role have been Gage Duesler, Michael Corbo, and Michael Stuewe,¨ Coach Smith said. ¨These players understand their roles, work hard in every practice, encourage the younger players, and do the little things during games that make a team successful.¨

Coach Smith and the coaching staff have proven that adversity will not knock their team down. With the adversity from three quarantines for the Shoremen, they are more than ready to prove to the SWC who they are as a team.