Out of 11 players, two seniors must lead the team in attitude and skill. Captains Annie Hawkins and Bonnie Hansen aspire to build the team during each game, practice and team bonding activity.
?The legacy I want to leave for the team is hopefully to win league,? Hansen said, ?because womens’ basketball hasn?t done that for a long time.?
With the encouragement of her dad and older sister, Hansen has been handling a basketball since elementary school.
?My dad and sister both played basketball in high school and loved it,? Hansen said. ?My sister [Stephanie] is our assistant coach and has been to almost all of my games and helps me to play better.?
Hansen and Hawkins try to maintain high energy levels and encourage their teammates.
?If I don?t lead the entire team would get down,? Hansen said. ?By always encouraging and living a good life, I set an example for teammates. If I give 110%, the team will follow.?
With nearly eight years of basketball experience under her belt, Hawkins is challenged by the notion of being a role model for fellow teammates.
?As captain I have to make sure I?m always a good leader and that I don?t bring the team down with my own personal issues,? Hawkins said. ?I want to show the girls how to be a good leader. Also, to teach them that just because a player is team captain they?re not higher than any other player.?
While Hawkins and Hansen strive to guide their team to the South West Sierra League championships, they also have individual and team goals.
?A personal goal I have is to improve every game,? Hawkins said. ?By the end of the season I don?t want to have any regrets. For the team to win league would be awesome.?
Coach Josh Tosland, teammates and students will honor the captains and other seniors at the Eagles’ last home game against Riverdale, starting 6 P.M., on Feb. 9.
?A team captain needs to always be encouraging to the teammates,? Hensley said. ?Annie and Bonnie are always positive and always trying to make us better.?
For information on individual games click here on Girls’ basketball sport shorts. For player stats check out Maxpreps SWSL girls’ basketball