SCHOOLS: The bench holds the power

The Wasilla High basketball has 12 players, but only five of those players are guaranteed court time. The rest sit on the bench. Who are they?

The bench helps the starting five during a game when the starters may be hurt or being fatigued. Most of the energy in a game comes from the bench cheering for their teammates a challenging them to do their best.

“During the game, the bench needs to bring enthusiasm and a spark to the floor when they enter the game,” Coach Ryan Engebretsen said.

Harris Fife — “ the Crimson Noodle”— is the number six player for the Wasilla High School boys’ basketball team and on the bench.

Fife has been playing basketball since he was in third grade. Harris has played all four years of Warrior basketball. Last year on the bench as the seventh player, Harris made it to state with the Wasilla basketball varsity team.

“Harris turned into a 6th man based on his efforts over the last ten months,” Engebretsen said. “He worked on his basketball skill set to earn it as well as having the right attitude and demeanor to keep this team enjoying life.”

Along with basketball, Harris has participated in soccer and swimming all four years of high school. “I would say basketball is my favorite sport in the winter, but my favorite changes with the seasons,” Harris said.

During a game, Engebretsen expects Harris to bring energy to the bench and when on the court to score and rebound.

Harris doesn’t focus on scoring the points or being number one; he focuses on playing as a team, assisting his team with making baskets and coming in when the starters need a break. “I love when I get a good block, and one of my teammates can get a layup in,” Harris said.

Being a bench player can be challenging at times. Harris has to be able to go on to the court at any time of the game and keep the energy high so the players on the court can keep going on. “It is mentally challenging to be on the bench.” Harris said.“ You have to focus on what you team on the court needs whether its energy from cheering or going in when they need a break”.

“He (Harris Fife) has such a great heart and attitude that it has been quite a joy watching him grow as a player throughout his four years and coaching him during his career at Wasilla High,” Engebretsen said. “When he contemplated graduating early, I, as well as his teammates, are certainly glad he chose to stick around and finish out his high school basketball career.”

The bench is critical to the success of any program, they have an impact during a game, in practice and in the locker room. Engebretsen said, “The makeup of the bench will determine the long-term outcome of the season.” In practice, the bench player is expected to push the starters to keep growing.

“They (the bench) need to challenge the starters,” girls’ basketball head coach Jeannie Hebert said, “ If they (the bench) challenge themselves to a certain point they end up taking their (starting five) spots.”

A bench position is a humble place. “Being selfless is a much-needed trait for any player, especially those coming off the bench” Engebretsen said. “Every player made the team because they have distinct individual qualities to offer and their willingness to hone in on those skills makes the team even more enjoyable to coach and mentor.”

Senior Mallory Wheeler is the sixth player for the Wasilla High’s varsity girls basketball team. She has been playing basketball with the girls on the Wasilla varsity team since she was in 5th grade. “Some of these girls have been together since they were in elementary school, they’ve grown into a family,” JV coach Rollman said.

Mallory has won the sportsmanship award and focuses on being a support for her team. “My teammates don’t look to me as in a playing role but if they need someone they have me,” Wheeler said.

Mallory’s playing time depend on the players in front of her. Even when sitting on the bench she never fades away from the game, always prepared for when it’s her name called.

“ To come off the bench and perform without a warm up time is probably one of the more challenging things to do,” said coach Hebert “ You have to find kids that are pretty good at it, Mallory is good at it. She is ready to go whenever I call her name.”

Mallory earned the name Bench Captain. She keeps the bench motivated and in high spirits. She coaches by keeping the girls focused on the game and reminding them of the goals they want to achieve. “Mallory cares but also pushes her teammates to try just like a coach would,” said Lexi Mufasa, a JV player for the Wasilla girls.

The basketball teams traveled to Kodiak for the Northern Lights Regional Championship on March 11. From there the team hopes to move on to the state championship on March 23. The bench will be there all the way.

“No matter what happens, no matter what situation you are in always work hard and have a good attitude because, in the end, that’s what people remember you by,” Wheeler said.

Jesslyn Zahrt is a junior at Wasilla High. She is a Journalism I student and member of the Warrior Word staff.