As the girls basketball team approaches the end of their season, they hope to finish strong and throw a few more wins into the mix before the season is over. Although it has not been the perfect season, much improvement and bonding has taken place as the girls advance through their challenges.

Some of their final goals are according to Olivia Vernon are to “make playoffs, we have to win a few games coming up here to secure a spot and maybe even get a home game in the first round.” Although they have some difficult games ahead, they recognize the need to “buckle down and work hard.”

Vernon, a point guard on the team, has continued to play an anticipated critical role on the team. Coach Kearsley recounted her role, “The whole team actually has done a good part. Olivia Vernon is definitely our leader and the person that the we depend on the most.”

The highlight of their season was commonly regarded by a few players and Head Coach Brock Kearsley to be the Chandler-NIKE Tournament of Champions. Kearsley said, “we hadn’t done well [in the tournament] in the previous years, so making it to the quarter-finals was a big step.” Performing better than anticipated in this tournament was a highly regarded achievement for the girls.

But as you get close to your team, you also have to be prepared for when they need to leave. Two seniors, Brittany Karlik and Deneria Gillian, will be missed by the team as they move on and leave high school.

Ashley Parada, one of the players, was recognized by her team as a hard worker who has developed her skills considerably throughout the season.Vernon said, “She worked hard, she became a better dribbler, she became a better ball-handler; pointguard. She really stepped up.” As well as Vernon, Kearsley stated that “Ashley Parada has improved a lot and come a long way in the the last year and just keeps on improving each and every day.” As Parada has a little more time up her sleeve before high school ends, she will hopefully continue to further her skills and improve.

Throughout the season the girls had to deal with many difficult situations and get through these challenges together. Vernon said that “with all of our struggles during the season I think that we’ve really had come together and figure things out together.” All the challenges they faced in the season have brought them closer as a team and made them better team players. Brittany Karlik said, “I feel like we bonded a lot more off the court, so that helps with the chemistry on the court.”