News from the Nest: Eagle Awards for Basketball

The winter sports season is optional at Graland and includes basketball, yoga and sports conditioning. Eagle Awards for excellence in athletics are given only in competitive sports and several athletes were recognized on Monday for the 2017-18 basketball season. 

 

For this honor, coaches select players who have demonstrated the following characteristics: respect, sportsmanship, dedication, positive attitude, discipline, good skill development and working knowledge of the sport, commitment, leadership, effort and inspiration. Congratulations to all!

 

Coach Dick Kinney: “This year’s Eagle Award is given to the individual who plays with passion. He always seems to be involved with the play, at both ends of the court. He is a force on the boards, and a steam engine when he drives through the lane to shoot a layup or a pull-up jump shot. His teammates value his unselfish style of play, his dedication and work ethic, and the fact that his skills transfer to winning basketball games. He is one of the dynamic duo; twin brothers who play a variety of sports very well. And even though neither he nor his brother have reached super hero status, on the basketball court, they are both very close. It is an honor to present this year’s Eagle Award in Basketball to Andrew Morgan.”

 

Coach Brown: “This year’s Eagle Award winner is a talented basketball player and a strong leader. He possesses a great passion for the game and is constantly working to improve his skills. He has great court vision and processes information quickly. As a center, he is a threat under the basket, but, because of his excellent ball handling skills and ability to distribute the ball properly, he was asked to play point guard this year. Michael McKee, you were a positive presence on the team this season, and I have no doubt that your skills, determination and coachablility will no doubt make you an impact player for years to come.”

 

Coach DeBoe: “Synonymous with a quarterback in football, the point guard position in basketball is especially challenging requiring proficient dribbling and passing skills, the ability to see the entire court and create entry passes to start an offense, and the ability to handle the front end defensive pressure from opponents. Omi personifies all of these qualities, and in addition, she selflessly involves each of her teammates in every possession. Tenacious, fearless, joyful, friendly, inclusive, and selfless are the characteristics that Omi embodies. A true leader on the court, it is my pleasure to present Team Eagle’s Eagle award to Naomi Wolff.”

 

Coach Adams: “A fierce competitor, this individual enthusiastically came to every practice and every game ready to excel… and excel she did!  Whether it was making crucial steals on defense, going up for a key rebound or scampering through the crowded lane to shoot a lay-up, this young lady was outstanding on both sides of the court! A strong leader, her focus and desire to learn and improve her skills was most commendable. Committed not only to her own growth as a player, this young lady was all about what was best for her team. She was always willing to play any position asked, and was one of our most positive cheerleaders. A joy to coach, Ava, you are a talented athlete who plays sports with heart, hustle, confidence and determination. It is my great pleasure to award Ava Cebrian with this year’s Eagle Award. Congratulations!”

 

Coach Mayo: “The Eagle winner of the Graland team was often quiet, yet her athletic ability and outstanding effort came across loud and clear.  She was extremely focused and determined in every situation and was a great example to others. She always came to practice dressed ready to play, she always gave 100% in every practice and she always did her absolute best in game situations. There is a true athletic fire that burns inside this young athlete. She is intense, determined, and extremely quick.  It is such a pleasure to coach someone with such a huge heart.  It is my pleasure to give the Eagle award to Bricin Mahoney.”

 

Coach Brown: “Wilson Gowen is this season’s Eagle Award recipient. Wilson led the team in nearly every statistical category, including points, assists, steals, and blocks. He is an obvious basketball talent. Wilson’s ability to easily create space from his defenders and score from short and long range makes him a threat on the court. Not only did Wilson lead our team in points, but, just as important, he also lead in assists. Dedicated, hard-working and always sports-minded, Wilson is an excellent role model and truly makes the players around him better. Congratulations, Wilson!”

 

Coach DeBoe: “This young lady is an incredibly talented ball handler and shooter; and is a leader on both offensive and defensive play. She was the quarterback of both our half court and full court defensive presses, putting formidable pressure on our opponents, and making crucial steals that lead to break-away lay-ups or smart passing to a teammate for a scoring opportunity, Coco led the team in every category with 52 points, 28 deflections, 50 steals, and 21 assists. She had a 100% practice attendance (this includes morning, and late practices) and she was most-often the first on the court and the last to leave, ensuring all equipment was put away and she never left without a “thank you, coach” (as did most of this amazing team). When players on other teams were absent and that team needed an extra player, Coco exuberantly, enthusiastically and pretty much going through the wall and driving the bus herself, took on the extra games. Basketball talent aside, Coco is a resilient, kind, gentle, polite, respectful, conscientious, and upstanding spirit. A second-year basketball recipient, and a fourth time over-all Eagle recipient with a promising basketball career, it is my pleasure to present the Eagle Award to Coco Hunt.”

 

Coach Chavez: “This year’s Eagle Award winner made our team ‘go.’ A defensive anchor, her on-ball pressure led to many turnovers for the opposing team. Her willingness to get everyone involved led to innumerable scoring opportunities for her teammates. Although she didn’t score a three-point basket this season, I hope that this award serves as an adequate consolation prize. I am proud to present the Eagle Award to Kate Henry.”

 

Coach O’Malley: "This Eagle Award winner came to practice every morning and worked hard. He came to every game and worked hard. He paid attention to everything I said and I was surprised at how quickly he learned. He did a good job on the court and in one game made a shot that no one expected - the other team and everyone else was shocked. He's not the fastest on the court and he's not the best on the court. But Levi Gillis gave his all. It is an honor to give Levi this award on behalf of the entire team who selected him as our Eagle Award winner."