Athens girls basketball
Continued from page 8
Lavicka injured her knee at the wissports. net girls basketball tournament in July and she wasn’t able to play volleyball for the Bluejays this fall. She’s hoping to make a return to the basketball court toward the end of this season if she is healthy enough.
“Addison’s health is most important,” Keefe said. “Her recovery is going really well, which is great to see! We may see Addison come back toward the end of the season if it was up to her, but all in all, her doctor knows best and we trust his timing. Addison ended her junior year with 934 career points.”
Lavicka helped Athens to a 23-4 overall record last season before the team lost to Edgar in the WIAA Division 5 regional championship. She was awarded to the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) Division 5 All-State teams last season after averaging 15.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 3.2 steals per game. Sophia Coker received all-state honorable mention in Division 5 last season.
Athens’ top newcomers to the varsity team this season are junior guard Brianna Sheahan, sophomore guards Vanessa Espinoza and Ava Ford and sophomore forward Sy’Rih Hartwig.
Jazelle Hartwig achieved 1,000 career points against Crandon in the Top Kislow tournament during Thanksgiving break at D.C. Everest.
“She went into the game needing 16 points and she ended the game with 17 points,” Keefe said. “Jazelle is the type of kid who doesn’t like solo recognition, especially after an ugly loss like we had that day. She would much rather have team success. Obviously she is honored to accomplish this goal, but she has higher goals for the season to accomplish as a team.”
Athens only has a 2-3 record thus far this season but its three losses are against good teams in Neillsville, Crandon and Rhinelander. Keefe believes her team’s tough early schedule will help it keep improving during the course of the long season.
“I think playing tougher teams in general is a way to prepare us for the playoffs,” she said. “We need to be tested early in the season to see what we need See ATHENS GIRLS HOOPS/ page 16
