After a tough season last year with a record of 4-15, the girls’ basketball team are getting ready to bounce back stronger and better than before. With a new coach, Mr. Mentzel, in place and talented seniors who want to make the best of this year, there is no telling what is expected for these group of girls.
“I’ve been staying in shape and trying to practice whenever I get the chance,” Senior Angie Barrett spoke out as she and many others hope nothing for the best this 2016-2017 season. After stars Juli Wright, Hannah Doyle, and Xena Lark graduated, it was time for the Juniors to take charge and lead the basketball team to a better season with a new coach, new players, and more importantly, new hope. “I feel like it might be a little hard for the seniors because we’ve had the same coach the last three years, but we will adapt well,” Senior Steph Ayr exclaimed.
Doyle had the most points as a senior last year with 117 points, but Barrett had the most overall with 123 points, so there’s no doubt the expectations are high with her being a senior on the 2016-2017 season. Current senior, Noelle Bost has a total of 40 assists, along with 114 points throughout her high school career. To top it all off, Senior, Ayanna Abdulahad obtained the most rebounds out of all with nearly 149.
Of course, young new blood is always the main priority when it comes to playing for the High school. Both Amaya Martinez and Caitlyn Hroncich were the only Freshmen on the team last year. With nothing but the mindset to prove they belong, Martinez and Hroncich combined a total of 72 points and 60 rebounds with only receiving a minimum of 18 starts or less.
Coach Mentzel has taken the matter into his own hands. Making the girls condition before mandatory practices and pushing them to get in shape.This year it has been said to be the most competitive thus far. Even Seniors would have to prove how far they have come. As for the rest of the team, they would have to continue to stay in shape before this season whether or not they attend Coach Mentzel’s optional practices
Players who have joined other sports prior to the basketball season have had to mentally prepare themselves. Ayr and Barrett have been a significant priority for the varsity girls soccer team, helping the team advance in the GMCs and States and go further than ever thought possible, so nonetheless, you bet they have some winning mentality.
“I think I’ll have a good season with the girls I’ve grown with since freshman year and will continue growing closer as teammates,” Barrett expressed as she explained that hard work will take them far. “I think we need teamwork. No yelling at each other on the court and just a lot of hard work in practices and games….I hope we work well as a team and eventually do good in the county and state tournament,” Ayr added. Nonetheless, we know that the Lady Patriots will overcome their obstacles and make Colonia proud as their new season approaches.
