Indians girls tried to find a way through a tough schedule and injuries

Veteran Menomonee Falls girls basketball coach Craig Amundson learned something this year.

That even with a veteran team like the one he had this winter, make sure the slate isn't too radically tough.

"Don't make too hard a schedule," he laughed a little ruefully after the Indians concluded a 13-10 season. "One thing that I have learned in this time is that the difference between a win and a loss is not too much.

"A rebound here, a missed shot there. It's funny. We did have high expectations this year, but we tried not to worry about the wins or losses too much. That's why we went to the Brookfield Central Showcase, scheduled Milwaukee Riverside (potential state champ), went to the Fort Atkinson Tourney (which they won)."

Conference leaders tough

But along with other nonconference stones in the shoe like Appleton North and Wisconsin Lutheran, there was also a difficult Greater Metro Conference schedule to negotiate. But Falls just could not top the varying hilltops of Sussex Hamilton, Brookfield Central and DSHA in the GMC. The Indians also had to deal with injuries to starting point guard Amber Bullock as well as to others.

Amundson tried to keep the team motivated by bringing in guest speakers (largely from the school) before every home game including the likes of Superintendent Pat Greco, football coach John Baker and former Indians hoops star and current teacher, Katie Rechlicz.

"They were all great and they all had different things to say," Amudson said. "I put feelers out for them in October and I had all 11 home games filled within a day."

Tough finishes

But as motivated as the Indians were, they just couldn't get over the hump. They could deal with presses because of strong guard play (Bullock and her backup Haley Precia), but finishing a game was sometimes a problem.

"I just would have liked to have been more of a contender," Amundson said, "and go deeper in the (WIAA) playoffs."

The Indians, who were a five-seed in their WIAA sectional bracket, lost to four seed Arrowhead in the regional semifinal. Arrowhead wound up surprising everyone and advancing to this past weekend's WIAA state tournament.

"We had a lot of versatility and we did beat the teams that we should have," Amundson said. "We did lose a fair number of close games, but the kids were fun to coach."

He said the freshmen and junior varsity programs were in good health and should provide some help in what will likely be a rebuilding year next year.

"I'm just thrilled about our numbers," Amundson said.

Seniors included first-team All-Greater Metro Conference selections Mikayla Robertson (13.7 ppg, 5.1 rebounds, 46 assists and 40 steals) and Erin Crownover (12.8 ppg 9.6 rebounds and 23 steals), along with Precia, Bullock (8.6 ppg and 5.1 rebounds) and forward Monica Carlson.