Shenendehowa Girls Basketball is deep into their season, and have proved themselves to be successful. The team is strong this year, and have put on impressive displays of skill at games.
As of January 22, the team record is 11-1, 5-1 in the league, with their only loss being to a competitive Averill Park team.
Grace Cozzens, senior forward on the team, owes the success of the team so far to a team effort and learning from their mistakes, the loss to Averill Park being one of them.
She says practices have had a big impact on the team’s achievements.
“We have had some good practices, but we’ve also had some bad practices where we had to learn from our mistakes,” said Cozzens.
Senior Captain and Power Forward Gabby Stuart said how the dedication and focus on the team is what makes them strong.
“The team is really coming together, right now we are going through a long stretch of practices and games and we are really showing how dedicated to the team we are,” said Stuart.
Stuart said everyone on the team is expected to give it their all at practices and games, resulting in a strong, team effort.
“We manage to be successful with pushing one another to challenge each other at practices, never going easy on each other,” said Stuart.
Cozzen said the team has faced some adversity along the way, having to deal with illnesses and injuries. Cozzens said that they have not let these difficulties affect them.
Cozzens credits much of their success to having a strong team atmosphere.
“Compared to years past, I think we’re stronger as a team over just individualized skill, which will help us go farther,” said Cozzens.
Joseph Murphy, head coach and Shen business teacher, also said the team is great this year.
“Players have really bought into the different things we’re teaching. It’s truly a team atmosphere,” said Murphy.
Cozzens said their upcoming goals are to “win.” In the back of their minds, they are thinking about playoffs at the end of the season, but are focusing on the next game.
“The goal is to win the next game in front of us,” said Murphy.
Stuart says her personal goal for the season is to stay consistent and give it her all every time she plays.
Players say they will be ready to take on playoffs, but have the same mentality of taking the season one step at a time and trying not to get too far ahead of themselves.
“Being a big Shen team, we always have expectations going into playoffs every year. We want to compete for a sectional title,” said Murphy.
“My main goals for the season would be for our team to win sectionals and then go on to states,” said Stuart.