Madison Heights

Opportunities still await the Madison Heights Eagles

By Mark Vest
C & G Sports Writer

» Click on image to view full size « Photo by Andrew Potter Madison coach Jeff Evans gives instructions to his team during a recent game against Lamphere. Evans hopes the Eagles can take advantage of a fresh start once district play gets started later this month. Photo by Andrew Potter Madison coach Jeff Evans gives instructions to his team during a recent game against Lamphere. Evans hopes the Eagles can take advantage of a fresh start once district play gets started later this month.

MADISON HEIGHTS — Prior to taking the helm as Madison Heights High’s girls basketball program, Jeff Evans knew some time and work were going to be required to turn the Eagles’ fortunes around.

“We’re trying to get some experience,” he said of his squad, which was 1-14 overall at press time. “(We) just need to improve. All of our players but one doesn’t have any varsity experience, so we’re just trying to get better every day.”

The good news for the Eagles is that they do not have to wait until next season to have an opportunity for a fresh start. Once district play begins later this month, it will be a clean slate for everyone.

Alyssa Bennetts is the lone team member who does have some experience. Bennetts is a four-year varsity starter for Madison, and she has some ideas as to what the Eagles can do to make the most of the rest of this season.

“I think the things we need to work on are discipline, hustle and not giving up,” she said. “Everyone’s new to the program, but if we just stick together, regardless of how many games we win or lose, we’re going to grow as a team. That’s all we can do at this point. We just got to stay positive. That’s the main thing — just keeping our heads up.”

And if the attitude of Bennetts is contagious, the Eagles may have an opportunity to surprise some teams in the postseason.

“We’ve had a rough season as it is,” she said. “It’s almost over, but we still plan on winning; we still plan on going as far as we can. I know it’s late in the season, but we don’t want to step back at all.”

The Eagles will next be in action at 7 p.m. on Feb.17, when they travel to East Detroit to take on the Shamrocks.

District finals competition begins Feb. 27 in Mount Clemens. The Eagles have a first-round bye and will take on the winner of the game between Detroit Winans Academy and Mount Clemens in semifinal action at 7 p.m. Feb. 29.

You can reach C & G Sports Writer Mark Vest at mvest@candgnews.com or at (586)279-1112.