Colin Powell, former Secretary of State, stated that, ‘There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work and learning from failure.’
This summer, the Twin Valley High School boys basketball team was hard at work preparing for success in the 2013-2014 season through summer leagues, workout sessions and the University of Pittsburgh Team Camp. While the leagues, workouts and summer camp are not required for participation in the school season starting in November, player participation was higher than in recent seasons with numbers consistently between 15 and 20 players.
Both the junior varsity and varsity teams had a successful summer league. The J.V. team participated in the Oley Valley Summer League with five opponents from Berks County. Although there were no playoffs, the Twin Valley team finished in first place with a record of 10 wins and 0 losses.
The varsity team participated in the highly competitive West Reading League with other Berks County opponents. The team, combined with a few players from Hamburg Area High School, finished second in Division II. Special thanks go to the varsity team sponsor, St. Joseph’s Regional Health Network of Elverson, for helping fund the West Reading League and supplying our team shirts.
Summer workouts consisted of a strength and agility program designed by Twin Valley Strength and Conditioning Coordinator Max Motkowski. In addition to strength and agility drills, the team has spent countless hours on the court developing individual skill and team cohesiveness.
The players’ highlight of the summer schedule was the weekend Pittsburgh Team Camp. Over the course of three days, the Twin Valley J.V. and varsity teams each played seven games against teams from Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia and Maryland. Along with competing against teams from all over the Mid-Atlantic region, the team had instruction time from former NCAA Division I and NBA player Jason Richards.
‘The coaches and I wanted to give the players an experience they would always be able to remember. The Pittsburgh Camp gives the kids an opportunity to play teams from different schools, but is also a great opportunity for the team to grow together,’ said Twin Valley Head Coach Andy Brakebill.
‘The coaching staff wants to put the kids in the best position possible to be successful,’ added Brakebill. ‘We know that by striving to improve through the offseason, we will put the kids in the best situation to be successful, and have a great time doing it.’
