Before their 61-25 victory in the team’s home opener, Dec. 9, the Girls Varsity Basketball Team had over 25 practices to prepare for their upcoming season.

They prepare for game day similarly every day. Practices start with a shoot-around followed by team stretching exercises, run by the players.

“That’s their time to warm up and socialize,” Mr. James Alsup, head coach, said. “Some of [the players] don’t get to see each other all day, so it allows them to bond as a team.”

Team chemistry creates enjoyment in the game and improves play among the team.

“If we have a good day together it really shows on the court,” Lindsey McCoy, forward, said. “It’s good that we’re all really close and get along with each other because that makes the team better.”

With just three seniors on the thirteen-person roster, the camaraderie among the veterans is essential.

“All three of us had played together since around sixth grade,” Torie Allen, guard, said. “We usually know what the other is thinking.”

After warming up and getting a little closer as a team, the next step in practice is to get ready for their next opponent.

However, the skill of the team allows them to be able to prepare for just about every team out there.

“[The team] is quick, athletic and they know how to play the game,” Coach Alsup said. “That makes for a pretty good squad.”

The Wildcats close their practices light-heartedly, which allows the team to enjoy playing the game all the time. This particular practice ended with full-court shooting where the players competed to see who can make a basket from the opposite end of the court. They literally chuck the ball as hard as they can.

“Usually we have fun at the end of practice,” Mallory Proffer, forward, said. “We play games and get to have fun instead of running or something boring.”

With all of the different strengths of the team on and off the court, the team’s expectations of themselves are lofty for the remainder of the season.

“I expect us to win a lot,” Allen said. “I think we will be district champs.”

The next game for the Wildcats is at home against Lindbergh, Dec. 13.