Wakefield women’s basketball gets their head in the game

Alexa Cook

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Staff Photo by Cameron Osiecki

The women’s basketball team defeated Sanderson High School in their first conference game.

Stephen Curry may be the top NBA point guard this year, but the Wakefield women’s basketball team has been the most on point this season. This year’s varsity women’s team has taken a turn for the better, winning their season’s first games with few turnovers.

The girls began their preseason practice with high goals in mind aiming to make their school and coach proud this year.

“We have played four games so far and I am pleased with the effort the girls have put forth,” said Coach Wollett. “Many of the girls are very young, but also very focused.”

A few of the girls have gained a new perspective on the upcoming season and have reflected on their most recent game with enthusiasm.

“We won our first game due to an increase in team dynamic,” said sophomore Camryn Jones. “Everyone is taking the game more seriously and really trying to stay motivated.”

Though they have maintained a steady winning streak, the girls still have a lot to work on during the remainder of the season.

“The hardest thing we will have to practice is rotating the ball and getting it to our posts down court,” said Jones. “We can all carry the ball well, but our execution isn’t always on point, which is something we need to improve on in order to get higher standings.”

As the pace of the season continues, the daily grind and the fundamental differences in how each player approaches her job requires some adjusting.

“We’re going to win, we’re going to lose too,” said Jones. “You just have to keep an open mind and mentally prepare yourself for the game. Getting pumped might be the most important part of game preparation.”

Winning the championship and getting the ring is in the girls’ forefront of achievements and only one thing stands in their way.

“We really want to beat Millbrook because they are the best team in the conference based on last year’s stats,” senior Sarah Moody said.

Win or lose, common mistakes occur during every game.

“The worst feeling is when you’re running down the court, all eyes on you, jumping for the shot, and then missing completely,” Jones said. “You just have to keep an open mind and try again or work better with your teammates the next opportunity you get.”

Although basketball is somewhat a high contact sport, there are other individual aspects that lead to team success.

“You have to have a high IQ as a basketball player,” said Jones. “You need to know where everyone is on the court and who’s open at all times. One bad pass results in a turnover, basically reversing all of the work we put in to push the ball down the court.”

The girls may have just begun their season, but much lies ahead as they look to future games.

“I thrive off of being a physical player,” said Moody. “I want to win. We want to win. We work and give it our best shot, that’s all you can do.”

Keeping the championship game in mind, the girls aim to prove that no matter how prepared they may feel, working hard every day is the only way to success.

“They play with intensity and a sense of urgency every day in practice and games,” said Coach Wollett. “They’re going to make Wakefield proud.”