The girls’ varsity basketball team is starting the year differently with new coach Venita Parsons, changing how they will play and gaining more confidence. These changes have resulted in a 3-3 start to the season, and they face Dixon tonight.
Last year, the team ended their season 14-18 and 3-12 in conference. With the Coach Parsons, they aim to take a big step forward this year.
“These past years, we haven’t had the best record, but this year I’m hoping that with a new coach, we can win the conference and build a team together,” said OH senior basketball player Ashley Cook.
The team is hoping to start the year strong under this new leadership. The seniors want to win Conference and Regionals in their last year, and they want to prove they are a good team.
“Our coaching change has been huge [for the team],” said OH senior player Kendall Grant. “We’re more disciplined and have a lot more confidence because of it.”
Other players have noted the change under Parsons’ leadership, too. “At practice with our new coach, she has motivated us a lot by working really hard and pushing us, and even motivating each other and keeping each other accountable to work our hardest, as it shows in games,” Cook added.
Parsons is giving them more discipline and confidence to take them to Regionals. The players are playing with more confidence and showing they want to stand out.
Currently, Grant is the team’s leading scorer with 36 points, averaging 9.0 points per game. OH senior basketball player Peyton Johnson averages 7.3 points per game, and OH sophomore basketball player Jordyn Mensah averages 6.0 points per game.
This camaraderie among the players has been developed over time. “Everyone on the team has played with each other for multiple years, and we are all very close,” said Grant.
The players report that having good chemistry on the court with teammates they’ve have played with for a while is a giant advantage against other teams. The team is showing how important team chemistry is, even with a new coach.
“Our greatest strength is our chemistry,” said Grant.
The team wants to have a good season, and for some, the goal is especially sweet as it is their last high school season. With this new coach change, fans can see how much improvement they have made throughout the season.
The team’s next match up is against Dixon tonight, Mon., Dec. 8, in the newly-open main gym.
“With a [new] coach this year, we can achieve [our goals],” said OH junior basketball player Alexis Fomby. “And we can all just have a better role in scoring.”
My name is Eduardo, this is my first year on 42Fifty, I am a Staff Reporter, and I am a senior. You can contact me by emailing 42Fifty@sd308.org and putting my name in the subject line. We welcome comments on our articles and feedback on our publication.
Hi, I am Ryan King. This is my first year on the 42Fifty staff. You can contact me by emailing 42Fifty@sd308.org and putting my name in the subject line. We welcome comments on our articles and feedback on our publication!
