Girls basketball is off to a winning record through nine games. Girls basketball has a record of 8-1, beating teams like Basha, Chandler, and Liberty. In the 6A Premier Division, girls basketball is ranked first. Leading them is senior Khamil Pierre, one of the highest ranking players in the nation. 

Girls basketball is off to a winning start, but they do need to keep it going. Senior forward Madelaine Balbarin said, “I think we started good, but we also need to keep it going.” Moving on, the strength of schedule increases for girls basketball. Balbarin went on to say “we need to keep it going with the hard teams, and stay focused and play as a team.” 

However, girls basketball has forward and guard Khamil Pierre, “She has really taken on that leadership role…her leadership has been tremendous” said Coach Curtis. Pierre’s talent and leadership carries throughout the whole team as well.

Pierre does not have the same experience level as others though; she did not start playing basketball until freshman year. “I think that since I started late, I was behind the game honestly. But [after] playing one summer at AAU (Amateur Athletic Union), I kind of got everything I wanted,” said Pierre.

Despite the accolades and titles, Pierre still sees her accomplishments in the way of team efforts. “I don’t think it’s anything I’ve done specifically. I think at the end of the day, we can’t win alone. [We need to be] taking it serious[ly], understand we are playing for a purpose,” said Pierre.

As the year progresses, girls basketball will also play multiple out of state teams as well. Head coach Andrew Curtis said, “We are going to play a lot of really good teams across the country in Arkansas, and D.C., and Nike TOC (Tournament of Champions).” From a player’s perspective, it will be a new challenge as well. Balbarin said, “It’s going to be harder because we don’t know anything about them. I think it’s a lot different because when you play out of state they have different plays, and all that stuff. It’s more intimidating as well.”

All around the team, hopes and expectations are high for the rest of the season. Balbarin said, “We want to win state, and we are excited about the season.” Last year, girls basketball made it “Hopefully that experience toward the end of the year will lead us to something better than last year,” said Curtis. Pierre expressed her hopes as well; she said, “Expect that we should be back at state and win it this year.” 

Girls basketball is off to an 8-1 start, and they are hoping to make it as far as they did last year. Only this year, they are aiming for the title.