As the second semester begins, athletes involved in winter sports begin to increase their effort as their season intensifies. Girls’ basketball is no exception. This year’s team has started to take important steps toward a successful year as they focus on important aspects of their sport. The basketball squad possesses young talent that will likely bring about many victories both now and in years to come. The players, led by coach Robert Foshee, maintain a positive attitude and enjoy a strong kinship with each other that drives the whole group towards victory.

Foshee blends his coaching abilities with his fun-loving nature to allow for a hospitable environment during practice. He interacts with the players in ways that creates both new skills and friendships. He recounts a  victorious moment that validated the hard work the girls put in.

“So far this year every practice has been memorable!” Foshee said. “We have a lot of fun, work really hard, make up funny sayings, have nicknames for each other, and put in tons of energy. On the court, we had a great finish vs. Avenal with Kaylee Ferguson hitting the winning free throw.”

Similarly to their coach, the team enjoys the comradeship that playing on a team sport cultivates. Freshman Macie Thompson appreciates the friendships that she has built on the basketball court.

“My favorite thing about being on the basketball team is that we get to grow closer as friends.” Thompson said.  “We get to make really awesome and fun memories together. Another favorite is that we get to show others the love of Christ.”

Thompson looks back fondly at her memories so far this year with her teammates. She remembers one instance in particular that made her laugh.

“We were at an away game and me, Erin Wilson, and Natalia Hill were walking down the bleachers.” Thompson said “While we were walking down them Erin was talking to Foshee and there was a gap in the bleachers that she did not see. So she fell and it was super funny but she was fine.”

Life as a basketball player isn’t all fun and games. Sophomore Erin Wilson tells about the logistics that the team has learned throughout the season. She finds the team’s development so far encouraging.

“Our team has made a lot of progress this year.” Wilson said. “We have learned new plays and new shooting techniques. I also think we have bonded amazingly as a team. We are always working to build our teammates up instead of putting them down.”

Wilson enjoys the dynamic that the small size of the team brings about. She finds that it helps with the learning process and creates unity within the squad.

“I enjoy that there are less people on the court and in our case less people on the team.” Wilson said. “I think it makes it easier to communicate and to execute plays.”

Foshee sees many improvements springing forth from the girl’s efforts. He believes that through hard work, a bright future for the team is forthcoming.

“Every game and every practice the girls are getting better.” Foshee said. “It’s a testament to their dedication and hard work. Don’t be surprised to see playoffs and championships in their near future.”

As a coach, Foshee keeps in mind goals that he hopes to achieve as the team progresses. He hopes that this year’s team will continue to built their talents and become even more formidable in the future.

“Our goal is to set a foundation for the years to come.” Foshee said. “We’re doing this by learning hte system, preparing for future players and winning as many games as we can. We always have fun encourage each other, and look for ways to learn about the Lord. Our team is a blast and a joy to be around.”

The players on the team also ambitiously work towards their own objectives. Thompson and Wilson each desire improvement for themselves and for the whole squad.

“I hope that we as a team can win at least half of our league games.” Thompson said. “I hope to do better than last year’s team. But also that we make a difference when we go to different schools.”

Similar to her coach, Wilson sees a trophy in her future on the basketball team. She anticipates that individual improvement will allow for the team to move onwards competitively.

“Some goals I have made for myself are to be more aggressive and really commit to going for the basketball.” Wilson said. “Our team goals are to build a sturdy foundation that we can build on in the upcoming years and to hopefully be able to eventually go to Valleys, seeing that we are a very young team.”

Follow the girls basketball team as they continue to build positive momentum. The team is currently 3-8 overall. Cheer them on at their next home game on Friday, January 15 against Riverdale.

This author can be reached via Twitter: @Andrew_Mooooore and via email: Andrew Moore.

For more sports, read Boys soccer looks to improve upon last year’s season.