Being crowned the best in the state in class 3A girls basketball last year, the Lady Titan basketball team is in full swing with practices, preparing for the first game of the season. Because of the success factor, the ladies are competing in class 4A both this season and next. Even though the competition will be harder, the girls will still be the team to beat.
“Obviously due to us winning state, we know we have a target on our back and are going to get everyone’s best game,” senior point guard Gabby Spink said.
There are many challenges moving up a class.
“I think the biggest challenge is going to be learning how to adjust to losing two important seniors last year and just trying to fill and fit into the positions where everyone is going to work their hardest and be their best,” sophomore center Paige Schnaus said.
Head coach Kyle Brasher kicked off practices on Monday, October 21. The team is going to have to pick up the pace and adapt to the speed of 4A play.
“We are working on things in practice to speed up practice and get our players used to playing faster, which is what will be needed at the 4A level,” Brasher said.
He emphasized the importance of consistent improvement after every practice and game.
“We understand that the team we are now, and the team we will be at the end of the season will be two different teams,” Brasher said. “We will get better and are getting better. We want to get 1% better every day and put ourselves in a position to be the best team in Sectional 16.”
Brasher added that his team’s goals go beyond just winning, and it’s that about carrying on the legacy.
“Our goals are always the same: get better each and every day and continue to be humble yet hungry,” Brasher said. “We have a tradition-rich program in which our seniors carry on that legacy. They want to go out this year and continue to make history and continue to add to the legacy of our program.”
Spink has clear goals this season for both herself and her team.
“My main personal goal is to keep helping my team as a leader to be ready for the upcoming competition,” she said. “I’m doing extra work to make sure I’m prepared for what I need to bring, especially since we know 4A has a much faster pace.”
Her commitment to leading by example and adjusting to the pace of the 4A competition shows her dedication to the team.
“I am a very goal-oriented person; every year, I make a goal board of things I want to achieve,” Spink said. “After checking off all the things on my goal board last year, I know the sacrifices and hard work it takes to reach not only my goals but the team’s highest potential.”
Going into this season, Spink and her team are focused on how important it is for each player to do their specific jobs well.
“To win and be a GREAT team, everyone needs to fulfill their role, whether that’s scoring, rebounding, playing tough defense, etc,” Spink said.
This approach shows that when everyone does their part, it allows the team to be the best it can be and compete at a high level of play.
Brasher is planning to break records this year, stating that the team is very determined and hungry for what is yet to come and wants to be at their absolute best.
“We want to be the first team to win a 4A Sectional in our program history,” he said. “Our players are hungry and feel like they still have a lot left to prove.”
The girls open their season on the road this Saturday, November 9, against Mt. Vernon at 6 p.m.
