The roar of the crowd. The squeaking of sneakers. The faint swish of the net. As the Millard North Basketball Teams get ready to play, they are greeted by some different competition. Here, against unfamiliar schools in unfamiliar territory, they’re not just showcasing their skills against the best teams in Nebraska. Here, their talents are on display against some of the best teams in the country.
Every year for the past five years, the Boys Basketball Team has traveled from Omaha to play games across the region. The schools they have faced in the past have always been among the best in the country, and this year is no exception.
“This year we’re playing a team, Simeon, out of Chicago, who has some former NBA players that have played there. The other team, out of St. Louis, is Vashon, who have made playoffs for years,” Boys Head Coach Mike Etzelmiller said.
The team will be playing two games in two days, with the game in Saint Louis against Vashon on Jan. 24 and the game in Quincy, Illinois, against Simeon on Jan. 25.
Etzelmiller and the team have been taking these trips to play top teams around the country for around five years, with success.
“The last two years, we’ve kind of gone 50-50. But if you can win a few games playing some of those top teams, I think our national rank will increase,” Etzelmiller said.
While it may seem a sacrifice to get the team playing outside of the state, Etzelmiller believes that the journey pays off in the end.
“It definitely helps our kids get noticed. It gets them college recruiting,” Etzelmiller said. “Playing those really good teams helps us play better, to challenge against the best teams in Nebraska.”
Etzelmiller also believes that the team gets closer due to these trips, which leads to a stronger team together on the court.
“It’s always fun to make these trips. These trips also have a lot to do with chemistry. Staying overnight in a hotel room or 8 hours together in a van is good bonding,” Etzelmiller said.
Head Girls Coach Chris Paulson is also enthusiastic about the team’s first time traveling to these matches.
“We’re kind of excited to be representing the state of Nebraska and going up against one of the top teams in Illinois,” Paulson said.
Unlike the boys team, however, who have done this annually, the girls basketball team is undertaking this trip for the first time this year. They are also travelling to Quincy and Saint Louis with the boys team..
“This will be the first time we’ve done anything like this, so we’re very excited,” Paulson said. “We’re excited about the experience, excited about the exposure our girls will get, so it’s a great opportunity for our girls.”
For the team, Paulson believes that seeing and playing against other top teams in the country will aid the team in playing better basketball.
“Getting to see other good quality teams is always beneficial. I think it can only benefit you for what our ultimate goal is – to play our best basketball in February and March.”
Senior Sara Harley, a four year starter, eagerly looks forward to this first time trip for the girls team.
“I like traveling and playing at other people’s home courts. It’s a different scenery and fun to play in front of other people’s student sections.We’re excited to travel far as a team and play against different competition,” Harley said.
Harley also enjoys the team bonding that goes along with these trips, seeing the travel there as an opportunity to get closer to her teammates.
“We mentally prepare for games and talk on the bus while traveling there. On the way back we blast music and sing along to songs. Riding the bus gives us a chance to get closer with each other and create memories,” Harley said.
When the teams return home, they will have memories that will last a lifetime. The challenges they faced will strengthen their bond both on and off the court. Whether they return with a win or a loss, one thing is certain: this trip was about more than basketball. It shows their passion for the game, knowing the road has made them stronger and ready to take on anything.