Photo Courtesy of AUM Athletics
By: Tasker Wheeler
Auburn University at Montgomery women’s basketball team last Saturday pulled through for a home win against Montevallo, now standing at a season record of 8-7, 6-5.
In an after-game interview, head coach John Plefka stated enthusiastically about the women’s win, “Huge home win for us after two straight double-digit losses; we had a solid week of practice and responded right from the tip. We executed everything very well, especially our defensive game plan.”
A notable junior player on the court nicknamed “The Alabama Sniper” Allasha Dudley has now scored twenty points or more in five games so far this basketball season, according to AUM Athletics. Warhawk fans will continue to see the women’s team flourish this Saturday at an away game against University of Alabama in Huntsville.
Unexpectedly, the men’s basketball team last week fell short by eight points at home against Montevallo, but the hardworking team has a chance to continue their remarkable season in Huntsville this Saturday.
Prior to the Montevallo game, senior Zameron Boozer was interviewed about his AUM perspective, including his basketball background and experience playing for AUM. Boozer’s expectations this season were to ultimately win the Gulf South Conference Championship with his goals as a player to continue his well-earned spot on the Dean’s List and to win as many games as possible. Boozer was named to the GSC Winter Academic Honor Roll and helped the Warhawks to the school’s second-ever postseason berth as an NCAA Division II member as the No. 6 seed in the GSC tournament, according to the AUM Athletics roster.
Boozer was asked how he is feeling about the current season compared to previous seasons at AUM. His reply entailed the injuries he endured in the past two years, and his source of motivation going into this season as he completes his time here at Auburn University at Montgomery. Boozer mentioned the rivalry between the two teams, as Montevallo is one ranking above where AUM should stand. “They are just another team standing in the way of us getting to our goal,” said Boozer.
The final question to Boozer, “What drives you to play at your best every time you step on the court?” He replied with a humble response, “Knowing that I have this opportunity drives me every day. I have a daughter back home and the biggest sacrifice is being away from her, so playing basketball and getting my education is what’s driving me and keeping me motivated. I know it is creating a better life for her in a long run.”
It’s players like Boozer who continue to help the Warhawks stay motivated even in the toughest of droughts. To continually strive for greatness is what the team morale stands upon—humble souls who are willing to leave the locker room and support their fellow players either from the sideline or on the court. Every cheer in each game continually progressed louder in volume with the participation from classmates.
Auburn University at Montgomery women’s and men’s basketball teams will continue their season this Saturday at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Tune in via the AUM Athletics website to watch the livestream and keep up with game time stats.