The JV girls basketball team had an impressive stretch this season, putting together a six-game winning streak that showcased their growth, teamwork, and determination.
The winning streak came to an end with a close loss against Conant. Despite the setback, the team stayed focused and did not let one game define their season. Players and coaches used the loss as a learning opportunity.
When asked what skills or areas of the game are most emphasized in practice, Ms. Sturino explained teamwork and individual skills are her main skills that she focuses on in practice. The biggest lessons she tries to instill in the girls are confidence to take the shot, to attempt a move, and to believe in themselves.
That mindset paid off in their next game against Morton, as the JV squad bounced back with another win. The victory proved the team’s resilience to challenges, reinforcing the progress they’ve made throughout the season.
To help prepare the team for different styles of opponents, Ms. Sturino and her assistant coach step in to represent the best players on the other teams. This helps the girls recognize their positioning on the court and learn how to guard someone who is bigger, faster, and stronger than they are. They made sure the girls learned how to guard their offense and how to break down their defenses.
At the beginning of the season, they were working on learning plays, defenses and offenses, and who could play which position. Now, this late in the season, they come into practice to focus on the things they did not do as well in the game prior.
“We still have a few tough games left, and we are working to make sure we can guard and prevent the opposing team’s best players from scoring. It is a lot of game planning and prepping for other teams rather than prepping us,” said Ms. Sturino.
The JV girls basketball team continues to build trust in their abilities and set a strong foundation for the rest of the season.
“Our six-game win streak has been such a big moment for us because it came from all our hard work since the start of the season. We’ve improved our communication and teamwork every game, and we have all grown into more confident players. Seeing that growth pay off has been really rewarding and has made this season a really fun one,” said Firadous Mouline, a senior.
“I hope this prepares my seniors to go on after high school and have the confidence to do what they love and pursue different things. I also hope my juniors and lower classmen will continue to grow in confidence, work hard, and make it to varsity one day. I hope they learn that being themselves and believing in the people around them will only bring success,” said Ms. Sturino.