Milford basketball has always been a part of Milford High School athletics. The players believe they have the ability to do something exciting this year, and the fans are behind them as always.The mavs have had recent success within the last couple of years. In the beginning of the season expectations were set high. Every fan I have talked to is excited to see what this team can do. The anticipation is blowing up throughout the school.
There are three types of fans that attend Milford high school; the everyday casual fan and the super fans. First off fans that just don’t care at all. Casual fans show up to the big games and make it when they can. Their support is greatly appreciated. Senior Sean Kolb is an example of a ‘casual fan’ he doesn’t make an appearance to every game but comes to the big divisional games and so on. When i asked him he expected the team to perform this season he replied “I really do think that this team can do something special. I know a couple of the players on the team and they work extremely hard.” Kolb sent a very positive idea. A super fan is similar to the casual fan but they go to every possible game they can. Jacob Haar is a prime example of a super fan. He dresses up in interesting costumes for every game. Also he makes plenty of the far away games along with the team. “ I enjoy going to away games” Haar stated “ Supporting the team whether win or lose is an essential idea.” If there was a competition for most spirited fan this young man would most definitely win.
The basketball team is hyped as well. Junior Jackson Hale is considered a senior on the team, the only non-senior starting. He admitted to a shaky start but thinks the team has found their groove. He said “All i have to say is sometimes you win and sometimes you lose some, and Tuesday (Feb. 3rd) it looks like we won.” On the friday before the team battled Grand Blanc a KLAA powerhouse. And the mavs played a hard and physical game with the bobcats. The game was within one possession the whole game until the end when Grand Blanc pulled away. “It was a hard loss” said senior Aj Vanlangen. “ But we knew we could and needed to pull out a win against Howell.” The mavs jumped out to an early lead and kept it throughout the whole game. Howell made a surge towards the end by draining three after three. Milford was able to close out the game by making clutch free throws. Vanlangen stated, “that was a big one! Hopefully it carries on into the next game” afterwards.
It’s hard to stay positive throughout the hard times, but Coach Gilbert always does. The players think of him as an amazing leader and coach. Vanlangen expressed how much he respects the coach and would do anything he told him to. It’s not often you have a good coach that the whole team likes. He also interacts with the fans by trying to pump up the fans in crucial points of the game. He is definitely the teams biggest fan.
Milford is setting the bar high for themselves. They want to perform well in not only the regular season but in the playoffs as well. Having loyal fans is a huge positive; they are ready to support the team if they win and even if they lose. The players are also full of energy, ready for each and every game. Hard working players are a great factor in having a successful team. Coaches are one of the most important aspect of a team, and Gilbert is a great fit for Milford. The town is excited to see what this high school team will accomplish.