Excited ball players and spectators is a usual sight to see in Cannon Falls Rambunctious gyms during the time of year when the winter sports season begins. Girls basketball players start to work hard to have a solid season. Fifteen girls are working their butts off each day to impress Varsity coach Samantha McCamy and Junior Varsity coach Tyler Quinlin. Numbers are low in the highschool level. Only six players in grades tenth through twelve and nine freshman are participating this season making over half the team up of younger girls. After losing two seniors including a starter from the previous year, it is a great advantage to have last year’s four leading scorers Tatum Pickar, Kira Jacobson, Kaly Banks and Kara Loeschke back on the team this year as seniors. Having freshman getting lots of experience playing with older girls and getting minutes in varsity games is another advantage for the team that will be beneficial in the upcoming seasons.

With a record of 4 wins and 7 losses the girls season is increasingly improving with time and the advantage of a stronger defense than the previous season. The team takes pride in their defense as coach McCamy states, “Our team this year will be a force to reckon with when it comes to defense.” On the other hand, they have areas to improve on, as every team does. McCamy and the team agree one of their weaknesses is rebounding. She says it is something they will continue to work on as well as “making sure that the other team is only getting one shot every time.”

Sports aren’t only about practicing, though. Having a good attitude makes all the difference and this team does a fantastic job of keeping a positive view and keeping their heads high. Head coach, McCamy, says, “I think the girls are excited for this year. They seem energetic, and seem to like coming to practice which is always good. I think they are very hopeful that we will get more wins this year than we did last year.” Also, the team instantly began to bond well from the start of the season making them play well together when working towards accomplishing a job. The second half of the season should be a blast if they continue the enthusiastic and eager attitude throughout the whole season. Even though the scoreboard may not always show the best outcome, they definitely have powerful determination. There’s no doubt it will be a fun season for the players, coaches, and fans.