Cunningham looks to evolve his game in the 2020 season
BROKEN BOW - Jeff Cunningham of Ansley-Litchfield has seen the Spartans fall in the Sub-District tournament the last two seasons, despite posting double wins in both years. One of the big reasons for this issue he believes is the team’s conditioning. Something that was ultimately the downfall for A-L last season when they lost 75-72 to Burwell in overtime.
“I think a big thing for us last year was conditioning,” Cunningham said. “We were just down and tired against Burwell and got out maned by them. I think a big thing for us this year is working a lot more on conditioning, but with that, we are going to need contributions from six to eight different guys.”
One of those key contributors for the Spartans is going to have to be Cunningham, who was the second-leading scorer behind Parker Lefever last season with 9.7 points per game. With Lefever gone, the team will need more contribution from their lengthy guard than ever before.
His plan to increase his contribution is simple. He wants to drive more to the hoop this season, rather than settling for the outside shot all the time.
“I definitely want to try and get to the rim more,” Cunningham said. “I want to be more than just a spot-up shooter and I want to be more of a driver, kicker, and finisher for us rather than somebody who just sits outside and shoots three’s.”
As much as the team want’s him to diversify his game, they don’t want him to completely go away from shooting the three-ball. Last season he was able to make 55 baskets behind the ark, over thirty more than the next closest player on the team.
When asked if he feels more pressure this year being one of the more experienced players on the roster, he smiled and said no. His reasoning is, he trusts that his teammates will help contribute as well and he knows they have his back.
“I don’t think so,” Cunningham said. “I think more so, even from last year, we play like a team. I like how we function together and how unselfish we are. I will do my part, but at the same time everyone will do their own part and we will win as a team.”
The goal this season for Cunningham is to go out and focus on trying to win each and every game. A lofty goal, but something he believes is very attainable for this group.
“Getting to Lincoln is always a goal,” Cunningham said. “I think before we look ahead to that we just need to focus on trying to win every game we play.”
If the Spartans were able to make the state tournament, it would be the first time as a co-op. Litchfield made it last back in 2009 and Ansley back in 1999.
After high school, Cunningham is still unsure of where he wants to go to college. He is thinking of studying elementary education.