As sports at La Salle continue, the Falconer looks for an athlete to feature every week.

Last year Matthew Berger was no disappointment to the Boys Basketball coaches when he tried out and made the JV team and swung for varsity as a freshman.

He was and still is an important asset to the basketball program. He plays post and wing. Now as a sophomore, Berger is fully committed to varsity.

Moving up to 5A, all sports have held their own against new rivals. “5A is more challenging” Berger states. “The athletes are bigger, stronger, and faster than 4A.”

Berger feels that the team has a strong dynamic. “We have a lot of talent in all positions,” he said. “And our team has a lot of chemistry.”

Like any team, varsity spends countless hours together. Whether it’s traveling to games, being at practice, or during school, these boys have created solid relationships with one another. “We are all great friends on and off the court.” Berger says.

Berger has had a special bond with a peer who is also on the team since grade school. “My mentor this year is Keeston Smith” Berger claims. “He has always been good to me, like a brother.”

Playing for 10 years has only intensified Berger’s passion for basketball. “It’s fun, complicated and I love learning about the game.”

Moving up to 5A has been a good test for athletic programs for La Salle, but they have been determined and prevailed and have done better than most expected. Let’s hope they will continue their success throughout the winter and the upcoming spring seasons.