Lutheran Sophomore Earning Big Minutes

A sophomore meeting the challenge of varsity sports naturally sets big goals.   

 sophomore basketball player Matt Niewald defines his goals in terms of team.

“I want to play on a team that works well together,” he said.

Niewald said he wants the Lutheran Cougars have a winning season by his senior year, make it to the finals in district play and possibly qualify for state. The Cougars have struggled to a 3-11 record so far this year.

“We’re a very young team,” Niewald said. “We can get to know each other this year so we can build and work better together next year.”

Although the St. Charles Lutheran Cougars , Niewald, a forward, led the Cougars’ offense with 10 points. The sophomore, who averages 6.6 points per game and 5.5 rebounds per game, was able to score his points in the post, his specialty.

“I think we attacked the rim better, but when it comes to rebounding, we could have done a lot better,” Niewald said on the loss.

A total newcomer to varsity basketball, Niewald played junior varsity last year.

“It’s a lot more physical at this level,” he said. “It’s the main difference. In varsity, you have to work harder and give in your all on every play.”

Niewald started played basketball when he was 6-years-old in a recreational league. He played junior high basketball at Immanuel Lutheran in St. Charles. Not a one-sport athlete, the sophomore also plays golf. Niewald played on the varsity golf team last year as a freshman.

“Golf is a lot more laid back and not as physical,” he said. “But golf takes a lot of practice and concentration, like basketball.”