Multiple questions still abound about the winter state tournaments for boys and girls basketball.

As of right now, according to Athletic Director Matt, there are only two verified games that will be played by the girls’ basketball team. After the first two games, sectionals and finals will be played at determined locations. 

There is a possibility that Notre Dame Academy will host, but the WIAA has not officially decided. 

There are many precautions that the athletic teams and staff members have to take.  Koenig and his assistant, Anthony Schumann, emphasized how everyone is affected in this year of the Covid. 

“If I were to test positive, I would also have to quarantine as well. I am very committed to my position with Notre Dame Academy,” explained Koenig.  “I basically go to work, and I go home. I feel it is important to lead by example, so I am very careful about what I do outside of my workday.  I am always safe and always wear my mask.  If I were to be out for 14 days, that would be very detrimental to the school, our teams and coaches.” 

Many of the players from all of the teams have decided to go virtual before sectionals and finals. This is to help with the welfare of the players, coaches and their family members. 

Senior Sammy Opichka, committed to play ball at St. Thomas University, will go virtual for the rest of the quarter for the sake of the team. 

“The skills that have led our team to success this year, have been focusing on the little things. For example, working for great shots every possession, and not slowing down on the defensive end,” explained Opichka. 

The girls’ basketball team is hoping to play at the Resch Center, but if that is unable to happen they would love to play at the Menominee Nation Arena as well.  Opichka is not concerned about who they play, but rather the opportunity to play at state. 

“The team atmosphere has changed drastically with safety protocols, but we have kept our motivation and spirits high with our eyes on the gold ball,” said the senior leader.

It is not only the girls’ basketball team that is on their way to state, but so are the hockey and boys basketball teams. Last Friday, hockey won their first regional game. They have sectional semi-finals on the ninth where they are facing DePere. 

On the other hand, boys basketball just had their seed meeting this weekend. The next game for this team is on Feb. 19 against the winner of Waupaca and Freedom.