It’s hard to win when the opposition is not missing shots.
That’s what Wetumpka faced in its Sweet 16 matchup against McGill-Toolen last Thursday, when it fell 49-35.
Things started well for both sides with either team exchanging points, but after the Yellow Jackets got their first lead, they did not look back. Despite a solid outing in the third quarter by the Indians, the Yellow Jackets came back in the fourth to extend their lead even further.
“McGill is a championship program, and our guys are able just to see that caliber at this level,” Wetumpka coach Steven Thomas said. “I thought we had energy and juice at the start, and then, I mean, just that championship pedigree that started to overtake a little bit. They were throwing punches, we were throwing them back, and they just ended up throwing more punches at the end that we ultimately couldn't sustain.”
Tom Suddith led the way for Wetumpka with nine points on the day while he added four rebounds and four blocks. Nolan Fitch finished behind him with eight points and a team-high six rebounds also adding a pair of blocks.
Where the Indians did shine offensively was from the line, which was evident in the third quarter. They took a more aggressive approach coming out of the break by driving into the paint on almost every possession, which left the Yellow Jackets with the choice of giving up an easy basket or sending them to the line. In total, the Indians went 14-for-20 from the free throw line with Fitch going a perfect 4-for-4.
Wetumpka overall had an extremely successful season, which compiled two impressive winning streaks both at the beginning and end of the year. After a loss to Montevallo, Wetumpka won the next 10 straight. Then to end the season strung together four straight wins to snatch the area championship and reach the Sweet 16.
“This season, I mean, it was special,” Thomas said. “Just the guys coming into work over the summer, just putting all the blood, sweat and tears into it, and then just our run. You had the whole Wetumpka community behind it, and we told the guys in the locker room these things haven't been done in 10-15 years. We just have the whole community behind you, and it was special.”
This season laid the groundwork for what is to be expected for years to come for the Indians. They will lose some valuable contributors in Justin Godwin, Logan Gaare, Jushon Fleming, Jayden Turner and Fitch. However, do retain a core of younger guys who now know what it takes to make it to the Sweet 16. Thomas’ expectation in the offseason is for his guys to stay hungry and aim to get better.
“Just take the next step, like you know what it takes, now are you gonna be satisfied with it or are you gonna come in the next day and know what you have to do?” Thomas said. “I mean you gotta get better every single day. The goal is, as a group, as a program to play for a state championship. You played against the state-caliber team. I mean you gotta come tomorrow and you gotta work.”
