The Lady Cats basketball season is currently on pace for a winning record.
Coach Matt Henderson took over as the girls head basketball coach for the 2021-2022 season and hasn’t looked back as their record has gotten better each year since taking over.
“The ladies are putting together the best season on record since the 2009-2010 season. They continue to improve and are looking to finish this season strong,” Henderson said.
Some of the players expressed how much fun that they have had this season and they think that’s carrying over to this season’s success.
“My favorite part of this season is the girls I play with. I think our team has a really special bond and we all find ways to make each other have fun on the court,” sophomore post Maylee Slavens said.
Basketball to some can be a really challenging sport mentally and physically. You may play multiple games a week and often have late nights, which can cause challenges with homework.
“I am not the biggest fan of basketball, but having a great coach helps a lot. Coach Henderson always finds ways to make the game fun with many competitive scrimmages, which he always loses, haha!” said Slavens
Athletes are often asked what superstitions they do to maybe keep winning when having a successful season like the Lady Cats have had. There are many different superstitions that athletes and coaches have.
“I don’t necessarily have a pre game ritual… that is just for me. As for the team … We have a prayer before the game, I ask the Lord to watch over my girls, and for others that are having troubles and trials…and we have a prayer afterwards, I figure win or lose, the same Lord is still there for us… need to thank Him for the opportunity to play and to get us home safe,” said Henderson.
“Doing two dutch braids into a high pony with pre wrap will forever be a must when you catch me on the court,” said senior guard Keira Mostaffa
As the players are putting together their best season since 2009-2010, there is a lot that goes on, day after day, to get better.
“I think the team has gained more success compared to other years by our dedication and commitment to the team this year. I think we all want to win and have a mindset and goals to win and achieve more than previous years,” junior guard Tanna Howe said.
The season is coming to an end and the Lady Cats have had great success in this season’s tournaments. They finished second in the Warsaw tournament, third in the Weaubleau tournament, and rounded out the year second in the Osceola tournament. The final challenge of the year is districts as they hope to make a strong push in districts and make it to the state tournament.
“I’m not wanting this season to end! This team comes to practice and works hard… in return, they are succeeding where previous teams haven’t. It’s a long season, but this team gets better every day. If these ladies will stay focused and achieve what they are capable of, then (maybe) around mid March, I will be ready to call it the end of the season! said Henderson.
