GIRLS BASKETBALL

Indiana’s top team

New coaches poll ranks girls basketball team as number one in the state

BY SAMUEL BREWER co-sports editor

The girls basketball season is underway, but this didn’t always seem like it was going to be the case. On Nov. 9 the team’s season opener against Bishop Noll was postponed along with other games.

Head coach Chris Seibert was disappointed that the beginning of the season was delayed.

“Everyone was disappointed about being quarantined and having to miss a part of the season,” Seibert said. “We also knew that it was a very real possibility of happening at some point due to COVID and hope that this will be the only time we have to experience a shut down. The girls were very excited and enthusiastic about getting back on the court.”

While disappointed, senior Mia Depta was okay with the timing of the quarantine, noting that it could have been much worse timing than what it was. She believes the experience they had being quarantined has improved the team’s overall commitment to health and safety.

“I feel like we all take it much more seriously now. It all happened so fast and it felt like it took forever to get back in the gym, so I think we all are even more careful than before,” Depta said.

The setback of quarantine did not stop the team from working. According to Depta, the team had Zoom meetings to practice. Seibert hopes that the effects of the team’s quarantine will remain minimal.

“It remains to be seen what the effects of the quarantine will be. We hope it ends up being a minor setback and there are no long term effects,” Seibert said.

According to the team, at the moment it seems to have been only that, a setback. Currently, the team is 7-0, and the latest Indiana Coaches Association Poll ranks the girls at first in the state following a win against currently number two Penn. This could make players feel like there is a lot of pressure to perform, but junior Alyvia Santiago isn’t fazed by the ranking.

“The team is happy because this is an accomplishment and a goal that has finally been reached. I think the ranking could put a target on the team’s back, but it doesn’t matter. Just as long as we play as a team and play the game how we know we can, we’ll be just fine,” Santiago said.

Seibert states that he is careful to not let the number one ranking get to the team’s head.

Junior Lily Stoddard guards a player from Penn on Dec. 5. Crown point went on to win the game 44-42.

PHOTO BY GILLAN GATLEY

“We only worry about the actual results on the court and most importantly how we finish the season. We normally talk about long-term goals of winning the conference, sectional, etc. but because this season is taking place during a pandemic our goals are much more focused on the short term. We can only worry about the next game and next opponent and that will be our focus throughout the year,” Seibert said.

Being a senior, this will be Depta’s last year on the team. Depta says she is determined to make the most out of her season.

“My personal goals include making it through the season and playing every game like it’s my last. It’s my senior year, so that’s especially important for me. I also hope that once we make it to the postseason, we can go farther than we did last year and maybe even make it to state,” Depta said.

Last year, the girls were knocked out in the regional semifinals against no other than Penn, many of whom were caught by surprise. Santiago remembers the reaction and is determined to go far this postseason.

“Just like when any game is won or lost, we go back and watch film and see what we could improve upon. We win as a team and lose as a team. Our goals for this postseason are to make it to the very end,” Santiago said.

The girls hope to continue their top tier performances as they play their next game against Bishop Noll at home on Dec. 21.

PHOTO BY GILLAN GATLEY