Armada senior Lesnesky hopes improved game leads to BWAC title

 

By George Pohly, The Macomb Daily

POSTED: 11/27/17, 9:53 PM EST | UPDATED: 5 HRS AGO

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Coach John Baerwolf’s Armada team starts the season against Hazel Park on Thursday.GEORGE POHLY -- THE MACOMB DAILY

Sara Lesnesky wants to do more this season and next.

That’s why the Armada basketball player worked to improve her dribbling and perimeter shooting skills in the weeks following the Tigers’ district-tournament loss last February.

“This year I’ve expanded my game,” the senior said. “This year I’m a 1 through 5.

“Occasionally you’ll see me bring the ball up the court. You’ll see me out on the perimeter more than I was before.”

Lesnesky and the Tigers took their final tune-up for the season when they hosted MAC Gold member Marysville in a scrimmage Monday night.

Armada plays its first game Thursday against Hazel Park, and then the Tigers jump into Blue Water Area Conference competition when they welcome the Almont Raiders on Dec. 7.

“Our team is so ready to win a championship,” Lesnesky said.

Lesnesky hopes her added versatility pays off for the Tigers and in the next phase of her career.

“I’m going to play college basketball at Alma,” she said.

The Alma coaching staff projects the 5-foot-10 Lesnesky as a small forward or shooting guard, she said.

“I’ve been a post player ever since I started playing basketball in the fourth grade,” Lesnesky said. “I’ve always been the biggest girl, playing the 4 or 5 positions.

“When you get to college, some of the girls are 6-5. It’s hard to compete with them. You can be as strong as you want, but they’ve still got height on you.”

So with an eye on college and the dream of a BWAC championship, Lesnesky went to work on her game.

“I used to only have a driving game. Now my shooting game is one of my best assets,” Lesnesky said. “Whether it was in our fall league, in scrimmages or even my AAU team, I’m more reliable at the 2 or 3 now.

“I’m proud of that and excited to use it in a game.”

Lesnesky’s dedication to basketball is one of her notable traits, Armada coach John Baerwolf said.

“Sara is one of the most natural leaders I’ve coached in girls or boys basketball,” Baerwolf said. “She’s all basketball. That’s her main sport.”

Armada is trying to unseat Croswell-Lexington as the BWAC champion. The Pioneers went 14-0 and second-place Armada 10-4 in the league last season.

“It’s going to be a battle every night,” Baerwolf said. “We’re trying to practice harder and faster.

“The girls have put the work in. Now we’ve got to see if it pays off.”