For the girls’ basketball team, there’s a lot more that goes into a game than just dribbling the ball or shooting a shot. It’s an experience shared between people who have found each other through a mutual love for basketball.

“The girls’ team is just so fun and loving; it’s where I met some of my closest friends,” said sophomore Amia Fleming Lake. “It’s nice because we can all grab something quick like Chipolte or Tropical Smoothie together before a game, or even go to Miller’s in Alton if a game ends early.”

According to members of the team, another popular option includes Chick-fi l-A. The girls’ team takes their pre-game meal in the Benjamin Hall Lobby before moving to the locker rooms to change and circle up.

Fleming Lake adds, “[In the locker room], we talk about our goals for the game, what we need to improve, and what we will focus on.”

From there, the girls go into the gym to practice before the opposing team arrives. Team members practice throws, passes, and dribbling to the team playlist. This mix is usually curated by Coach Alex Clarke or a trusted team member. The girls’ team notes that it is usually a mix of house music, summery music, and hip-hop.

With all that preparation, the girls jump into the game confident and unifi d. But to the girls’ basketball team, it’s not about winning or losing. It’s about lifting each other up and figuring out how to improve for
next time.

“When we lose, we’re sad but also motivated to do better next time,” commented sophomore Kayla Ugarte.

During away games, the team eats on the bus and share their motivational talk there. Then they have time to squeeze in some practice on the opposing team’s courts before the game starts.

“On the way there, it’s usually calm. People are listening to music or doing homework. On longer drives we usually do team bonding or play fun games,” said Fleming Lake.

With their positive mindset, the girls’ basketball team has established themselves as a close knit group certain to succeed this season.