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During the second half of the game against St. Andrew’s, head coach Diane Kunkel gave the team a pep talk, telling the girls what they needed to work on in the second half and giving them valuable pointers. “During the game, Coach Kunkel kept telling us to rebound more ,”sophomore Caitlen Dauphin said. Photos by Fox Mar

The team gathered together to cheer on the starters as their names were announced before the game. The starting players were sent off into the game with their teammates by their side. “We do this before every game to get hyped up,” sophomore Caitlen Dauphin said. Photo by Fox Mar

Senior captain and point guard

Ariana Lopez focused intently as she drove past a defender during the home game against St. Andrews School on Jan. 1. Lopez led the team with 10 points and five assists. As team captain, Lopez worked hard to set an example of teamwork and accountability for her teammates.

“Our goal this season is to build team chemistry for the future and to play to win. Coach Kunkel has taught me many things on and off the court. From discipline to working hard, she has always found a way to bring out the best in me,” Lopez said.

This was the first season for head coach Diane Kunkel, and with this change, new opportunities emerged for growth and leadership for the players.

“With adjustment to a new coaching staff and tough competition, we have been trusting the process and playing every game to the best of our abilities,” Lopez said.

Working with a new team, Kunkel stressed the goals of improving with every game and focusing on fundamental and principal basketball skills.

“We are very proud of the progress of the team. Our man-to-man defense has improved tremendously. Our offensive skills have improved, as well,” Kunkel said.

The girls are optimistic for the future, after a positive season spent learning under a new leadership, which permitted them to develop more confidence in themselves and their teammates.

“A key factor in a successful team is believing in each other, holding each other accountable, remembering teamwork, and working consistently,” Kunkel said.

Junior guard Ella Barras was pleased with the chemistry that the team developed this year.

“My goal for this year was to have fun. As a team with a new coach and a lot of new players, our goals this year were to learn how to play together with a whole new system of plays and defenses,” Barras said.

The team finished their schedule with 11 wins, including a first round win at districts against rival Immaculata-La Salle High School. Although they fell short in the second round of districts playoffs, the girls ended the season with confidence in what they have built together and can apply for the future.

Story by Paige

As team captain, what do you teach your younger teammates?

I try and teach the younger ones regarding accountability and about the importance of getting to practice on time, because it is important to make the best use of all the time given.

What have you learned from being team captain?

I have learned the value of what being a leader is, which has helped me progress my skills on the court, as well as being a team player.

What key tips have you learned from your coach?

Coach Kunkel has always reminded me that all of us engaging with each other as a whole while playing is vital.