The Lady Bulldogs kicked off their season with a win against East High School on their home court. Since then, the basketball team has suffered a disappointing loss to Brookfield, but managed to gain a winning record with their first win away at Champion. With a majority of starters returning and a huge incoming class, the sky’s the limit for this team. 

Freshman Annabelle Humphry reveals, “Our season has had a strong start with 2 wins out of our 3 games”

The Lady Bulldogs are coached by Kevin Haynie, Jessica Irwin, Zach Brown, and when available, new assistant coach Bill Lewis. The team features four year varsity member Maggie Pavlansky, as well as returning varsity players Makenna Werner, Brooke Schneider, Marina Sanders, Izzy Haines, and Kylie Schwartz. In addition, Jamie Black, Ashley Solis, Gianna Ferraro, and Hailey Anderson also return. Jalyn DeLeon is a new addition to the team, as well as freshman Isabella Isenberg, Mackenzie Stowe, Kalyssa Werner, Annabelle Humphrey, Makenna Doran, and Kai Marinkovich. 

Senior Maggie Pavlansky explains, “The basketball season so far is going well. We have had a solid start to the season with big wins over East and Champion.”

The early achievements can be attributed to the large, talented group of athletes who have come together in a short time to form a family. In previous years, the atmosphere was very serious with low energy and little hope for success. This year, the girls are turning things around, keeping everyone inspired and hungry to win. 

Pavlansky continues, “We have a great team with lots of energy and fun basketball being played.” 

With so many new team members, there was an adjustment period for the team to become a family. They had to learn how to work together and get past the initially awkwardness of meeting new people. This was accomplished throughout the summer season, where practices focused on learning to play together and have fun. Now, the team is stronger than ever with the new additions. 

Sophomore Jalyn DeLeon says, “Coming into this season, I had not played in a couple of years. But, everyone on the team had been super fun and helpful.” 

The team has high hopes for the remainder of the season. They are working hard at practices, spending the first half hour either lifting in the weight room or doing cardio conditioning drills. With this new strength, they will be ready to take on any team. 

Junior Izzy Haines says, “I feel like this season is going to be great. We have a lot of athletic girls that want to win just as much as I do. I am excited to see where this season goes.” 

They will continue to work hard and prepare to earn more wins. The girls spend hours outside of practices and games to mentally prepare for the games. They study old film and analyze each game to determine where improvements can be made. The team also watches film together, designing game plans to take on new teams. With all of this preparation, the team is confident that big things are coming.

Pavlansky says, “I am super excited for the rest of our season.”

Humphry continues, “Our team has a bright future with a great opportunity to compete and beat all teams we play. Our team has been putting in the work at practice to see a big success this season. I am eager to see where this season takes us.” 

The Lady Bulldogs will take on Warren G. Harding High School at home this Saturday, December 3rd at 7:00 p.m. Make sure you come out and support the team as they earn a win!