Sports

from North Pointe-54-6-Mar. 10th 2022

Editorial

SPORTS On the rise: Girls basketball in state rankings during impressive season

By Arei Swain & Gabe Goode SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR & INTERN

This year, the girls basketball team has been on fire, holding one of the top ranks in the state and winning a top spot in their division. Their commitment to a team-first mentality shows that they are a determined team, willing to do whatever it takes to win. Their hard-working attitude creates a strong teammate bond and leads to good performances on the floor.

The way that the team plays and acts collectively is a strong aspect of their game that they utilize against every team they face. Senior Elizabeth Siciliano feels that their strong teamwork pays off both inside and outside of the gym. “We pick each other up, no matter what, and help each other out all the time,” Siciliano said. “We’ve really created a family and I know for a fact we’ve done it perfectly.”

Siciliano has found that the connection between the whole team is evident in games and it helped to develop their team chemistry earlier in the season.

“As soon as I came back and experienced my final first practice I knew our team would work hard and devote time for each other,” Siciliano said. “That’s exactly what we’ve never failed to do at all this season. We work so hard and I hope it continues on.”

The team has a stifling defense that can put on some impressive displays on the court. Records Secretary and a long time fan of the team Paula Staperfenne recognizes the players’ determination as well as their individual talents. Throughout Staperfenne’s years of watching the team, she has found that their success comes from quality coaching and constant effort at practice.

“They always work really hard,” Staperfenne said. “I think that's always been like a staple of Mr. Bennett's teams. He gets the most out of [this year's team] from the teams that I've seen over the years.”

Along with the team’s drive and strong bond both on and off of the court, their unselfish nature also plays a huge role in setting themselves apart from their competition. Assistant coach Melissa Champine believes that the girls’ ability to work together is a huge asset to the team.

“It's not one individual, it's a collective group of the 10 that are all contributing in their own different ways to make us successful,” Champine said.

Champine is impressed with the team this year, as they have shown that they can play elite basketball at a high level. Since winning the MAC red division, they have their sights set on a deep playoff run or even a state championship. Anything is possible for the group if they continue to put in the effort.

“Going forward, I really hope they do really well,” Champine said. “I was around when [Bennett’s] team won the state championship, and it was a really exciting time, so I'm hoping the same thing for this group of girls.”

ANNABELLE JULIEN

THE KEY TO SUCCESS | How the team played as a whole was effective in a 46-27 win over Port Huron Northern. According to Assistant coach Melissa Champine, the team plays aggressively. “We run the floor very well, fast break because we score off our defense,” Champine said. “And teams just can't handle the pressure. If we do it the way we need to, we can. It's very tough to play us.”