♪♪
The potential for greatness lies in every
child.
For some it might be academics, computer
programming or performing arts.
But for Montezuma's Shateah Wetering, it's
clear to see she is great at basketball.
♪♪
Basketball has paved a path to many
accomplishments for Shateah, including a
Junior National Championship in Club Ball,
signing as a recruit to play at the University of
Iowa, and leading the Bravettes back to 1A
prominence with back-to-back appearances
in the state tournament.
And all of this started with a grade school
activity in a community gym.
I was 9 years old.
It actually happened in this gym.
They started an Upward basketball program here.
It was actually pretty fun.
I mean, my dad is huge with basketball and he
kind of got me started into it.
That's how we basically have a basketball family.
I think it was about 2010 when the Upward program
started here.
They would wear the wristbands so that they
would know who to guard.
From the sidelines I would always encourage her to
steal the pass.
It's things like that, that she picked up on and
that she thought, wow, I can really do this.
So that was kind of exciting to see her grow
that way.
You could see the love of the game more and more
through time.
And then with friends in the community, they would
call each other and say hey, let's all go to the
family center and we can put a game together.
Actually in this gym one time my dad would not let
me leave until I had the correct form on my
free-throw.
It was just, I remember it, it was even through
tears and I finally did it and it was just a
breakthrough and it was amazing.
I mean, I honestly don't know if I'd even be in
this situation without them.
As great as Shateah is on the court, she is actually
the latest in a long line of Montezuma standout
players, going as far back as 50 years ago when the
Bravettes won back-to-back state championships.
But Shateah doesn't need to look nearly that far to
find local inspiration.
Her closest parallel is coincidentally drawing up
plays on the sideline.
I came in '92 and played '92 to '94 here because my
school closed and I chose to come to Montezuma and
just loved what this school brought for myself,
for my family.
I played the game of six-on-six the last year
and then played five-on-five and this
place allowed me, Montezuma allowed me the
opportunity to go on and play college athletics as
well, coach collegiately and then come back home,
which is what is awesome.
She was a post obviously at Iowa State.
I was obviously a post.
But in 1A I don't have that opportunity to be a
post as much because they need me as a guard and it
really helped me be more versatile as a basketball
player.
During her time as a Bravette, Coach Burgess
left her mark by pushing school records so out of
reach that they are still standing decades later.
With Shateah's final season rounding out, her
play is becoming equally as memorable.
But seeing as basketball is a team sport, her
supporting cast is incredibly important.
We have Elise Boulton, who is a tremendous shooter
and really took over the point guard role for us.
Maddy McKeag and Shelby Conger have come in and
just played and had a tremendous senior year.
And we've just got a good core of kids from top to
bottom.
And Shateah is a great player, there is no doubt
about it, she is 5'11" and she is a lefty.
My position kind of varies.
I play the 1 through 5, whatever she needs me to
do I will do for her obviously on the team.
A senior, number 13, Shateah Wetering!
She leads us in points, she leads us in
three-point successes, she leads us in rebounds, she
leads us in assists, she leads us in steals.
But ultimately she leads us with her selflessness
and her ability to make sure that everyone plays
to the fullest potential because she sets them up
extremely well.
While not all players are destined for collegiate
play, the game provides a similar rush for
practically all who put on the jersey.
I play basketball because I love the energy and the
environment and just being able to compete every day
is so much fun.
My teammates just make it feel like that's the only
thing happening right now, it's just basketball.
I play basketball because I love my teammates and we
play for each other and it's just a blast.
Have fun, compete and I like to win too, so that's
always a plus.
Montezuma is a really small town.
The support we have is a big reason we're so
successful.
It feels really special to play on this team because
the older ladies that come to our games and watch us,
they played, they had these uniforms on.
I hope we're making them proud and I just want to
follow along in their footsteps.
There's no doubt that we're obviously a
basketball school.
Having all those championships and all
those things to look at really just helps set the
stage for us and gives us that mentality that if we
work hard enough we can get there.
Bravettes on 3!
One, two, three, Bravettes!
Knowing her play will leave a lasting mark on
Montezuma, Shateah makes sure to balance enjoying
the moment while considering her local
legacy.
Honestly I think it's the friendships you make and
leaving an impact on other people to basically strive
to be kind of like you.
And those people are likely already in the
stands, as Shateah discovered her passion for
basketball young, well before anyone knew what
she would accomplish.
This last year we've kind of been going through some
things and getting things together for graduation
and we found some really neat things that she
wrote, it really made me think about how long she
has actually had a desire for the sport.
I am a basketball player.
I wonder if I'm going to win all the games.
I pretend I make lots and lots of baskets.
I feel so rich when I play.
I can touch the basket with my hand.
I worry if someone gets hurt.
I cry when I'm done with basketball.
I cry when we win.
I understand that it doesn't matter how wins or
loses --
(laughs)
-- I say I can win, so I win.
I dream I'm dribbling down the court and shoot.
I try to do my best in basketball.
I hope I can win the last basketball game on
Saturday.
(basketball dribbling)