By LIA VILLAR
With lockers slamming, the girls begin to run across the court to meet their apprehensive coach who waits to review the plays the team plans on executing for the night’s game.
“Before games I always feel nervous. I worry whether or not I have prepared the girls well enough and [if I have] given them all of the tools they need to be successful on the court. I have an amazing group of girls. I have nothing but confidence in their ability,” head coach Thomas Wills said.
According to the Orlando Sentinel’s 2011 Girls Basketball Season Preview Capsules, top returning players are senior Kyndal Skersick and junior Bailey Florin. They also mention sophomore Kendall Byerly as a newcomer to watch. Skersick also ranks 15th in the Girls basketball Super 16, as of Nov. 23.
Skersick is one of four captains along with Florin, seniors Jaci Chastain and Kyanna Cleveland.
“Our team is really young. We have four seniors and the rest are younger so I’m trying to help get them ready for when I’m not here,” Skersick said.
On Nov. 17 with a score of 47-40, the girls beat Olympia High School, giving the girls a 7-1 record, plus two additional pre-season wins.
“One moment [in the season] I wish went differently was our loss against Lake Highland. I think if we had came out stronger in the beginning, we would’ve taken the lead and won the game. Personally, I wish I had played to my best ability,” Byerly said.
During their Thanksgiving tournament, the girls lost to Lake Highland Preparatory, 56-63 on Nov. 23 but won against Gateway High school, 50-29 on Nov. 25 and against Liberty High School, 45-23 on Nov. 26.
“After a game win or lose, I am proud of them no matter what as long as I see them giving 100 percent. I never dwell on losses, I only see them as opportunities for growth,” Wills said.
Skersick attributes the team’s success to the close knit friendships developing off the court.
“[We] play better on the court because we’re not selfish. There’s no issues, we all get along and play well together,” Skersick said.
Along with the team, Wills recognizes the growing strengths of the girls.
“They put themselves in the right positions to shut down the other team’s offensive game,” Wills said.
Their next game is Dec. 16 at 7:30 in the Wayne Rickman gym against Lake Highland Preparatory School.