North Bend-Central’s Sister Act

Family.  It's one of the most important words in our language.  It unites us in good times and bad, and it gives us all that we need in our lives.  Basketball teams often try to create that family atmosphere within their programs, but for the North Bend-Central Tigers, a good chunk of their team is litearlly a family. Lauren (senior), Sydney (sophomore) and Kaitlyn (freshman) Emanuel are three vital members of the 22-2 and top-ranked Tiger squad this season.  The road map to success, however, began long before the first practice this season. "Our passion for basketball comes from my mom’s side of the family," according to Lauren. "Our Mom was very successful in basketball. She played college basketball at Nebraska-Kearney. Her twin sister, Cheryl Wietfeld, has five boys who were very good basketball players. We grew up playing countless pick up games in the driveway and shop with the Wietfelds and our older brothers and watching many of their basketball games." Not only were these family reunions centered around hoops, but without the leadership of their parents, the three girls would not have blossomed as much as they have, according to Kaitlyn. "My parents have always supported me and helped me work on my basketball skills. With my mom coaching my teammates and myself, she has been a huge part of the basketball player I am. Both my parents continually push me to become a better player." Sophomore Sydney agrees. "Our parents have always pushed us to get better and helped give us opportunities to improve. Our mom coached us all throughout elementary school, which gave us a strong starting point for our basketball careers. Throughout our many years of basketball, our parents have encouraged us, but they have also always made sure to throw in some pieces of advice." Being family off the court also helps on the floor, and all of the girls know that, no matter what happens, all they want for each other is to get better and be the best that they can be. "We trust each other and know that each person is going to do their part," Sydney stated. "We also take each other’s criticism well." "I think we work well on the floor together because we aren’t afraid to give each other harsh constructive criticism to make each other better," agreed Lauren. "We are constantly talking about basketball before, during, and after games and practice and that extra communication definitely helps when we get on the floor together. I never have to question where they’re going to be on the court, I just know they’re going to be there." That doesn't mean there still isn't some sibling rivalry between the three sisters, nor a little jealousy. "If I could take one skill from one of my sisters," said Lauren, "it would definitely be Sydney’s ability to dribble through defenders." "I would like to have Sydney's ability to control and handle ball under pressure," concurred Kaitlyn. Like most perimeter players, Kaitlyn wishes she was down in the paint with her sisters. "I would love to have Kaitlyn’s post moves. She always seems to make her way into the paint and use a move to find a way to finish." North Bend-Central is currently #2 in the wildcard rankings in Class C1, and it has been a terrific season for the Tigers.  The Emanuel sisters know that they have been part of something special, and they don't want the ride to end. "It's been a great experience to play with my sisters. Not many people get the opportunity to play with their sisters and I feel very fortunate that I get too. Not only my sisters, but all the other girls on the team have helped make this season a success and each and every one of them is important to the team," Kaitlyn stated. "This season has been so much fun," Lauren stated. "This whole team has been like one big family, I love each and every one of them like a sister, and watching them improve and succeed is so rewarding. We’ve had a great time on and off the court this season." And when you're with family, you can't lose, no matter what the scoreboard says in the end.