The snow gradually falls and blankets the ground as the days get cold and bitter. It only indicates the doom of fall and the birth of winter sports. While this happens slowly, the players exchange their cleats and tennis shoes from the fall season for the ankle support found only in a basketball shoe. A new beginning is underway as the players get ready for the long tedious season, devoting hours to practicing in the gym  –  especially for the Cannon Falls High School girls basketball squad.

The Bomber girls have returned and are ready to make this year their winning age. The girls are recovering from last year’s discouraging losing record, only winning one game against New Hope Academy. However, despite this record, every player is back on the varsity team except for Erica Berg, who graduated last year. With this committed team, the win column is likely to increase, as they have all challenged themselves over the summer, participating in a traveling basketball league.

This season is going to be substantially different than last year for many reasons. A C-squad team has been added due to the amount of girls who signed up for basketball this year. In comparison to the season before, there was only enough players out for the sport for a JV and Varsity team. This is a crucial improvement to the team, giving the players more time to rest during each game.

Another contributing factor to the new year, and better season for the girls is that they are facing off against new schools that they have never played before. Some of the schools include Medford, Maple River, and Glenville-Emmons. However, the familiar schools such as Pine Island, Goodhue, and Stewartville are still amongst their rivals, but the girls are older and familiar with these schools so they know what to expect.

While so many spectators are underestimating the girls this year, the players are concentrating on their games.  With three seniors, four captains, and eleven players, they plan on working hard, meeting their goals, and learning from their experiences-one game at a time.

Their first home game was on Friday, December 6th against the Kasson-Mantorville Komets. It was a discouraging start to their season losing their first home game 34-74. However, the girls fought hard and were proud of the way they played together. Next home game is Tuesday, December 10th against New Hope Academy.