The Sage Informer

There’s a lot of hard work that goes into preparing for a new season. The boys and girls basketball teams at MHS are no different.

The boys kicked off their season over Thanksgiving break on November 21st with a win against Pleasant Plains. The girls started off the season at the Falcon/Bunny Classic Tournament on November 13th, ending with the record 2-2. 

Concerning preparations for the season, junior Lucy Leatherwood said, “The players plan little things to do to boost our morale and to bond more as a team. We work on and off the court, encouraging each other every step of the way. There are plenty of opportunities for additional training as well. Confident players believe they can perform well and that when they put their mind to a task, they’ll be able to succeed. Our coaches put that into our minds the second we step on the court. Everyone cheers for each other and helps each other learn. Knowing that you have a whole team of girls behind you makes your confidence level go through the roof.”

Being connected off the court is a very important characteristic to have on a team. Sophomore Nolan Buehnerkemper commented, “We are all very close which makes practices and games so much more fun. Having a team that has very good chemistry off the court can lead to good chemistry on the court as well.”

Sophomore Ashley Stiverson added, “I’ve had so much fun already just by being around the girls so much, and the team dinners we have had has been one of my favorite parts with the team. We all have a great bond which will help us through the long stretch of the season.”

There is no doubt that this season will be great for both teams. The boys have well-seasoned players, and the girls have a fresh perspective on how to play the game. 

“We have a lot more experience this year, as well as a lot more depth to the team. If we continue to make each other better every day in practice, I am confident that we could make a deep run in the postseason,” said Buehnerkemper. 

Leatherwood commented, “The team chemistry this year is amazing, and we all push each other to be better. We move, communicate, and work hard each day to be a better team.”

Through hard work and determination, both the girls and boys basketball teams are sure to succeed this season.

Bailee Wierman, Staff Writer

wieba26@sages.us