The women’s varsity basketball team prepares for a new season with high hopes.  With a seasonal record of 10-13 and a conference record of 7-7 to beat, they will have to work to win the championship this season.

“I want to go far,” said junior Tinasha Horton. “I don’t want to give up; I want us to get far and I want to win the championship.”

Along with winning the championship, the team is looking to improve from last year.

“Last year we were pretty one dimensional in that we were not as productive in the post as we would have liked,” said Coach Art Wollett. “That could certainly change this season.”

Returning players like junior, Samidra Rodgers and senior, Aliyah Warren, agree that they would like to work on both offense and defense.

“We’re trying to improve our defense,” said Aliyah. “I have been staying in shape and working out daily to prepare.”

In order to improve, the coach has his own strategies for pushing the girls.

“He pushes us every practice,” said Rodgers. “He puts the two best kids together and makes us compete during practice.”

The coach is anxious to see how the team works to meet this goal.

“I think we will be very competitive,” said coach Wollett. “It is a little too early to have a feel for just how good we can be.”

As a team, they all work together to help each other improve on troubled areas. With new players each year, they have to rebuild the relationships they have as teammates.

“I want our team to have a better bond,” said Horton. “I want us to work really well together because when you’re a team, everything is good.”

In order to be on the team, the coach looks for certain qualities in the players that he wants to join the team.

“We look for girls that can play that have good attitudes,” said coach Wollett. “They have to want to compete.”

Returning players know how to please the coach and prepare to do so before every season.

“With the return of the season I have been making sure to get my attitude in check,” said Teliyah.

During this season, fans can look forward to certain games against big competitors.

“In conference, we will have to prepare most for games against Millbrook and Broughton,” said Horton. “Those will be our biggest rivals for this year.”

Though these games may be tough, the team plans to try their hardest to be successful. In moments of doubt, they look to each other for hope.

“I try to keep my teammates from getting frustrated,” said Horton. “If we’re losing I try to get everyone to just all play together and play like the family that we are.”

Being on the team has many rewards; one being the relationships built during the season. Through this new season, the team will work to make it as far as they can while enjoying their time together.

“I love being a part of this team,” said Aliyah. “We are a family.”