Best friends lead team

On the basketball court, Alexa Van Laecken and Becca Glanzer form a bond like hydrogen and oxygen.

The duo has a connection that is fueled by their friendship on and off the court.

“Basketball would not be the same without Alexa,” Glanzer said. “I love her as a friend and love playing basketball with her.”

The juniors, who have both played varsity basketball at Mitchell Christian since they were in the seventh grade and share the same birthday, spend almost as much time off the court as they do on the court.

Through the first two games of its young basketball season, the MCHS girls are undefeated (2-0).

Glanzer and Van Laecken have played a major part in the teams’ fast start. The pair have forced 42 steals and rank first and second on the team in scoring.

“We get our steals off each other,” said Van Laecken, who is averaging 13.5 points per game and 6.5 steals. “We just know each other so well that we are able to force turnovers.”

The bond the two possess comes from the fact that they have played side-by-side since the fourth grade.

“The girls really care about each other and that makes a big difference on the court,” MCHS head coach Jackie Van Laecken said. “They are best friends and have played together for many years.”

Coach Van Laecken, who is also Alexa’s mother, said the duo’s cohesiveness on defense started when they were young and has really helped the team this season.

“We have always stressed the importance of defense even when they were playing on the travel team,” she said. “Alexa and Becca have been important to our defense. They work really hard along with the rest of our girls to get turnovers.”

In typical best-friend fashion Glanzer and Van Laecken joke and rib each other constantly.

“We definitely know how to tease each other and that keeps the team upbeat,” said Glanzer, who is leading the Golden Eagles in scoring and steals with 18.5 ppg and 7 spg.

Conversely, the duo is there for each other when one of them needs motivation and support.

“I am always getting down on myself, and she is always the one patting me on the back and giving me a high five,” said Alexa Van Laecken.

The backcourt tandem will need to call on their connection once again at 6:30 tonight when the Golden Eagles take on Kimball/ White Lake in Mitchell.

Tags: mitchell christian, golden eagles, sports, updates, basketball