As a bright, flashy orange basketball gets passed, shot and scored and while fans cheer, under the surface the truth of hard work and dedication is revealed.
During pre-season and current season, the girls basketball players continued bettering themselves as individuals and teammates. From coaches to players to managers, time and effort in every aspect was put into the coordination to make this sport possible.
“It’s not all about how you look or how you feel on the court,” girls head basketball coach Jade Carter said. “It’s about what you can accomplish with the team.”
Along with teamwork helping in success, Carter also expresses the importance of and what basketball means to him.
“I don’t even know that I’d be a college graduate without basketball,” Carter said. “So it helped mold me into the person I became.”
Not only does Carter have opinions on the hard-working side of basketball, but so did his players.
“Patience is a big thing,” senior basketball player Tabytha Roy said. “Being relaxed and confident that everything’s gonna be okay.”
Roy was sidelined earlier this season for a knee injury; however, she says she has learned a lot from it, including patience. Along with learning, Roy also has advice to share with the freshman.
“No matter what happens, they still need to work hard,” Roy said. “Getting ahead of the game and knowing yourself will help you be successful in the future no matter what.”
Roy expressed that fighting for your teammates and the togetherness of it all allows dedication and hard work to shine through. In all angles of basketball, teamwork is proven. Former basketball player and current manager Blair Billen-Mills spoke about how being an asset to the team does not always mean playing.
“I know I’m a part of the team,” Billen-Mills said. “They have my back and I have theirs.”
The girls are currently competing in the Carl Albert tournament Jan. 18-20.
