GHS freshmen basketball team looks to improve

Joe Gregory receives the ball at a recent practice. Photos by Scott Appleton.

The Griswold High School freshmen boys’ basketball team is still striving to learn and improve, despite struggling this season. Their coach is proud that they are working hard, in the face of difficult competition. The freshmen team’s current record stands at one win, two losses.

At a recent practice, the boys demonstrated great energy and a desire to become better players. Coach Brett Peterson said the players are a bit raw, but they have a good attitude, and he feels that they can continue to improve.

Peterson has been the freshmen coach for two years now, but before that, he assisted his father. His father served as the GHS freshmen coach for about five years, and Peterson worked alongside him before going to college. Then he returned to GHS and is enjoying the same coaching position his father had.

The boys kept a high energy level, moving the ball up the court, shooting hoops, and working on tightening their defense. They lined up for practice shots up close to the hoop, as well as from a distance. Some of the players became frustrated by frequently missed shots, but Peterson critiqued their plays and showed them how to improve. He engaged with them on the court, demonstrating what he wanted them to do and what he wanted them to avoid.

Coach’s Corner:

Griswold High School Freshmen Boys’ Basketball Head Coach Brett Peterson.

He has coached the team for two years.

The season ahead: “We are working on the fundamentals,” Peterson said. “We have a lot of players who have not played basketball before. But a lot of the players are willing to do the extra work. We have to get better each day. There’s some talent on the team that we can turn into something.”

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Spotlight Player:

Joe Gregory - Center

“This season has been hard. We need to improve in the offense, but our defense has improved,” Gregory said. “I’ve been playing basketball since first grade. This year is my first time getting a lot of playing time. I want to play basketball through high school.”