Montezuma basketball siblings make the season even more special

​By J.O. Parker
 
    The Montezuma basketball program is enjoying a stellar year on the hardwood.
    The Bravettes are currently undefeated in SICL conference and non-conference play and are number one in the state. The Braves are undefeated in SICL play and number four in the state with only one non-conference loss to a bigger 2A school.
    Both teams have their sights set on returning to Wells Fargo for state action in March – the girls for a third consecutive year and the boys for a second go round.
    Even with all the magic on the court, there is something unique with this year’s teams. The Braves feature brothers, Trey and Masin Shearer, who not only share bloodlines, they share court duties as well. For the Bravettes, it’s a double, double with sisters Elise and Mia Boulton and Shateah and Shanae Wetering, who are helping to keep the team in the “W” column.
    “I think the greatest aspect of coaching siblings is learning how each one of them are different,” said Bravettes Head Coach Janel Burgess. “Each sister has their own way of playing, their own need for coaching and yet they are all special players.”
    “Both young men are hard workers and have obviously contributed to our team’s success,” noted Braves Head Coach Derrick Dengler of Trey and Masin. “They’re both competitive and push each other to improve.”
When asked what she enjoys about the game, Elise Boulton, a junior on this year’s squad, said playing with her sister and the other teammates and seeing all the hard work pay off.
   “I love having my sister as a teammate because it makes the wins sweeter and I love watching her succeed,” said Elise.
    “Having my sister on the court is special because no matter how hard we push each other or ourselves, we are always the first one to pick each other back up after a bad play,” added Mia Boulton, a freshman. “Being on the court with her and the other girls, while playing my favorite sport, is one of the best feelings ever. However, we all realize that we would never have this opportunity if we hadn’t worked for it.”
   When asked what he enjoys about the game, Trey Shearer, a junior and leading scorer for the Braves this season, said he lives for the competition and playing against some great players.
   “I have always enjoyed playing since I was little and it is my favorite sport,” said Trey, who also plays football and runs track. “I’ve probably been playing since I was big enough to hold a basketball.”
    When asked about playing with his brother, Trey said it is really special to share the floor with Masin.
   “He is the one that gets me the shots most of the time,” said Masin, a freshman on this years’ squad, of playing with Trey.
    Shateah, a senior for the Bravettes and leading scorer on the team, said she started playing basketball as a youngster in the Montezuma Upward program.
   “I just love the feeling of the game and the energy that my team gives me,” said Shateah, who will play basketball for the Iowa Hawkeyes next fall. “My team is like a family to me.”
   When asked about playing with her sister, Shateah said the sister to sister moments during the game are really special.
    “I like it when I pass the ball to her and she scores,” said Shateah.
    “I love the tempo of it all and a team that is supportive and gives each and every one positive touches on and off the court,” added Shanae, a sophomore for the Bravettes, who also got her start playing basketball in the Upward program. “We look for each other on the court. I like it when Shateah passes the ball down the court to me.”
    “I couldn’t be more thankful to have my sister as a teammate this year and I am enjoying a great season with all of the girls,” added Mia.
   "I love coaching all four of these ladies and it’s awesome having them all working together for our program,” added Coach Burgess.