ooting their way to a league title? Then to districts, regionals and quarter finals?
Remember Bethany Watterworth and Courtney Zott leading the team to a 24-3 overall season?
Well the 2008/2009 girls? basketball team is gone and their season long over, but Head Coach Steve Roberts says this year’s team is ready to take on the competition in their own way.
‘Every year is a new beginning,? he said. ‘You can’t compare to last year’s team. We did lose some of our most talented players we’ve had in our program, but I think that these girls can come in and fill those roles to the best of their ability. They’re hard working. They play together and win or lose together.?
Senior Alexis Haan will return this season as the team’s only third year player. Seniors Maddi Gagen, Jaime Tasco, Jackie Hood and Abbe Richards join Haan as returning varsity players.
‘They contributed in their roles last year with the team that we had,? said Roberts. ‘This year we’re looking for them to be a good core group to step into those opportunities, to make our team the best we can possibly be.?
Seniors Jillian Linklater, Kara Menzie will join the team from junior varsity, along with juniors Alyssa Wesley, Sydney Bryce and Nicolette Grannis, and sophomores Marissa Secontine and Maddie Hutchison.
The team will play their first game against Oxford Wildcats, Dec. 1 at home.
Roberts says the team’s goal every year is to win league and district titles, and advance as far into state play as possible.
‘We are going to play within our level and abilities, and bring along the newcomers to form a good group,? he said. ‘We want to be the best that we can possibly be, everyday and every night. That’s what we want to accomplish: working together playing to our strengths.?
He notes this team has good athletic ability with quickness and aggressiveness.
‘We’re going to play up-tempo, full-court pressure in defense,? Roberts said, adding, ‘We’ll score off of transition points as much as we possibly can. We’re suited for that kind of play.?
The coach says the team’s looking forward to games against North Farmington and Southfield Lathrup as they have a strong core of returning players.
‘We’re looking to challenge them and looking for the first place spot that we were able to finish in last year,? he said.
With three weeks of practice before the first regular season game, Roberts says his team is ready to get on the court.
‘We’re coming together and building; we’re doing a lot of preseason preparation, looking forward to our first home contest,? he said. ‘There’s something to be said about taking what you learn in practice and applying it to a competitive game situation. Players want to get to that.?