BOYS BASKETBALL Spartans to only lose two seniors

Injuries hurt the Brookfield East boys basketball team at times this season, as the Spartans finished with a 5-9 record, seventh place in the eight-team Greater Metro Conference.

The Spartans finished 9-14 overall, but they were hurt by injuries to Ryan McBride (wrist) and Mikey Novak (concussion) who missed a few games. Nick Kanavas, however, had the most serious injury as he missed about eight games with a knee injury and never returned. Novak (three games, 12.6 points per game), McBride (two games, 9.7) and Kanavas (5.8) were key parts of the East offense.

The Spartans will lose only two seniors to graduation - Billy Dietz (5.1) and Adam LaGrassa (2.5).

"Billy has been with us since fourth grade," coach Andy Farley said. "He came to every camp, every day, never missed. He was really dependable, a great young man. He brought us a lot of energy. We don't beat Menomonee Falls without him. He helped us with his shooting."

Although LaGrassa didn't play much (two games), Farley felt because of his attitude he was an important part of the team.

"Adam LaGrassa would do anything you asked him to do," he said. "He was ecstatic to be a Spartan. I can't tell you how hard he played every day."

The Spartans ended the year with a three-game losing streak and they lost four out of their last five games.

They were 5-2, but then went 4-12 the rest of the way, which included a four-game losing streak and two three-gamers.

"Our season lacked some consistency," Farley said. "We were up and down. We struggled. But we have a ton of juniors that garnered a ton of experience. We knew that going into the season and that's the way it played out. Some nights we were good and some nights we didn't play well.

"Overall, I was disappointed with the way it ended. But I'm happy with the way we competed."

Juniors Brian Smith (leading scorer, 14.0), Novak, McBride and Kanavas will lead the way next year, along with Mike Eberle, Jake Weismueller, Steven Tongas and Jonathan McGinley, who all saw important playing time.

"After time off, I think they have to be excited to see the good potential they have," Farley said. "We have a lot coming back. I think there is real excitement about next season."

Smith was named to the second-team all-GMC team, while McBride and Novak were honorable mention.