Staring straight at the basket as the gymnasium briefly fell silent, Cece Mason, junior, watched as the ball went into the net from the three point line. Her first three pointer during a game, the team jumped in excitement, running to her on the court and cheering from the sidelines. Winning their first game of the season Nov. 7 60-40 at Michigan City and at a current record of 2-0, the team hopes to keep their winning streak.
“I could finally calm down and it really hyped up the bench,” Mason said. “I’m looking forward to growing as a team and the team bonding activities like dinner together.”
With one of the team’s starting players, junior Nina Garner, out sick for the first two games of the season, the team had to adjust their plays. Also a few players out with injuries, Coach Deandre Williams hopes that utilizing the team’s strength and conditioning program will help further prevent any more. After an important senior, Akaoma Odeluga, graduated last year, the upperclassmen players will have to step up to the leadership role.
“Akaoma had most of our rebounds last year, so we’ll need to make sure we’re staying aggressive and going for every ball,” Garner said. “I know if we continue to work hard, we have a big chance of taking home a Conference title.”
Since the team has no senior players, the girls are focusing primarily on being disciplined and consistent with everything they do. Although practice routines have not changed drastically this year, the team focuses on defense. For example, the Varsity team will defend against the JV team at practice during drills and scrimmages.
“The most important part of being successful in basketball is investing yourself into your team and playing for the gain of your teammates, because when they’re successful, so are you,” Gracyn Gilliard, sophomore, said.
The team’s philosophy this year, according to Coach Williams, is “to enjoy each moment along the way by embracing the hard stuff and staying positive.” He hopes the girls do not get caught up in creating low expectations for themselves and letting the losses get to them.
“We are focused on the daily process of improvement, lifting each other up, and enjoying every moment of the journey,” Coach Williams said. “I was surrounded by so many great coaches growing up, and I want to pass on the great wisdom they shared with me. We coaches have to continue to develop our craft and improve our teaching so we can provide a positive impact on a young person’s life; helping them achieve their goals and dreams, both on the court and off.”
