As the Lady Wildcats continue with a perfect 5-0 record on the court after defeating the Lakeland Eagles 31-28 on Dec. 12 and the Milford Mustangs 59-46 on Dec. 13, the team continues to meet Head Coach Stephen Emert’s expectations for the season.
‘Our expectations are to play to the best of our abilities according to the traditions established (for) Oxford women’s basketball,? Emert said. ‘We look forward to competing in the OAA white division for a league title against very difficult teams and then looking towards the MHSAA tournament.?
Leading the charge are junior captains Jessica Murphy, an all-league forward, who led the team in scoring and rebounding last year and Cheryl Banas, who led in steals and assists last year, along with returning senior captain’Samantha Medici who Emert described as ‘one of our defensive leaders with her intensity.?
This year’s team also includes juniors Skye Donaldson, Jaynee Butkiewicz and Claire Hermanson and sophomores Christina Medici, Grace Wysocki, Jamie Bailey, Logan Medel and Abbey Butkiewicz.?
‘They bring intensity to practices and individual skills that will make us a better team as they improve and develop,? added Emert.
Strengths of the team include defensive intensity and the ability to score.
‘The white division in the OAA is one of the toughest leagues in the state, so it will be a fun and exciting year with many interesting games,? Emert said. ‘Our goals are to play as hard as we can every day in practice and in games.? We will focus on our individual improvements which, then in turn, will develop the improvements in our team.?
The girls? next game is Dec. 20 away at Groves High School at 7 p.m.
The team plays at home Jan. 3 against Rochester at 7 p.m.