First up, the coach, Coach Knockett. This is his first season coaching girls basketball, but definitely not his first time coaching. “I’ve coached football most of my life and my teams have won a bunch of championships. Basketball has just been a new challenge for me and been really fun.” Coach Knockett explains. The girls varsity team has faced many challenges including not having enough athletes. Without a JV or middle school girls team, the girls had to take on the challenge of playing varsity. As Coach Knockett remarks; “We only have seven girls and they’re all young. I just wanna see them grow and develop as players and build their confidence in what we’re doing.” Even though the team is small, the fight is not. “They’re scrappy, we have a group of scrappy girls. Yes, we’re undersized but when we play, no matter what the score is, we know that we didn’t go out with a fight”. When asked what his before games hype song is Coach Knockett responded ‘Power- Album Version by Kanye West’
Next, Londyn Pritchard, a 7th Grader on the girls varsity basketball team. “I always wanted to do basketball, and when I came here that’s the first thing I aimed to do” Londyn reflected. When asked what her goals were for the season Londyn explained that she wanted to work on her shooting capabilities. “My favorite moment was during our second game, which was my birthday. We celebrated both the win and my birthday with cookies.” Londyn remarked. Londyn’s pre-game hype song is ‘R.E.M by Ariana Grande’.
Now, Brennan Cox, a 7th Grader. “I wanted to join basketball because I enjoy the sport. I also wanted to be a part of a team family” Brennan said that this season she wants to work on her ball handling. “My favorite moment was probably also the first game we won. I loved celebrating with the team afterwards.” ‘That’s My Girl by Fifth Harmony’ is Brennan’s hype song.
Finally, CJ Patterson an 8th Grader on the girls varsity team. “I joined the team so I could stay in shape for cross country. I’ve also never played basketball before, so I thought I would give it a try.” CJ’s goals for this season are to be more aggressive, and to pick up her running pace. Even CJ adds, “My favorite moment was after we won the second game. Celebrating the win and Londyn’s birthday!”.
That was just half of the incredible Varsity Girls Basketball team, come back next issue for part two!
GO EAGLES!!!
