It’s No. 1 vs. No. 2 in Max
It’s No. 1 vs. No. 2 in Max
By STU MERRY
It could be a preview of the championship game in the upcoming District 10 Girls’ Basketball Tournament. Underwood, undefeated in district play, is slated to take on the No. 2 Max Lady Cossacks this Friday. The setting will be the Donald L. Roedocker Gym at Max. Tip-off is slated for 6:30 p.m. The varsity boys’ game between the Cossacks and Comets will be approximately 8:40. As it is homecoming in Max, Friday will also feature the crowning of the royalty, which is scheduled for about 20 minutes after the girls’ game.
Coach Mike Balaban said he and the team are looking forward to the contest against a very good Comet team. Balaban tips his hat to long-time Coach Toni Cottingham.
“In my opinion, Coach C (Toni Cottingham) is one of the best coaches in the state and will have her ladies ready to compete,” Balaban said. “The Lady Comets’ current record speaks for itself: 5-0 (12 - 2 overall). This is after losing three very good players (one all-state player) from last year’s team to graduation.”
Balaban said the fans should be in for a real treat.
“The game should be very competitive and fun to watch,” he said. “The first place district tournament seed is on the line, so, look for both teams to play their hearts out.”
Turning to his team, Balaban said the Cossacks are playing “very well.”
“A word I have heard the past several weeks from others is, ‘synergy,” he said. “I agree with that sentiment. The ‘Ladies’ are working very well together on both ends of the floor. They just have a feel for each other and seem to know what the other is thinking without having to say anything.”
