After a difficult season of growing pains, the Paly girls basketball team is ready for a fresh start. Last year tested the team with challenges, but it also laid the groundwork for growth. Now, after countless hours of practice and building stronger bonds, the players are back with more confidence, determination, and hunger to show how far they’ve come.
Last year was a tough one in terms of losses. The girls went 0-24, as it was a shifting time with a new varsity head coach.
“Last season was a challenging but crucial foundation-building year,” coach Kevin Blunt said. “With a roster primarily composed of freshmen and sophomores with no prior varsity experience, the team faced a significant learning curve.”
Although the girls faced many challenges because their opponents were bigger, older, and more experienced than them, they continued to compete and persevere despite other teams’ advantages.
“Having to push ourselves to compete against the best teams in our league was difficult,” sophomore Katie McCue said. “They had no mercy against us because, in our previous years, we blew a lot of teams out.”
Coach Blunt highlights that throughout the hardships, the team developed a close bond last season that will help them perform this time around.
“Each game presented an opportunity for growth, and though the results were not favorable, the experience gained was invaluable,” Blunt said. “The team developed a sense of perseverance and began to understand the demands of competing at the varsity level.”
After a rough season, the team is optimistic about this season and has set high standards for improvement and building a strong foundation.
“Our primary goal is to compete at a high level in every game, regardless of the outcome, to lay the groundwork for future success,” coach Blunt said.
The team is eager to bounce back. In preparation for this season, the players have spent countless hours honing their skills and strengthening their team chemistry.
“We have had a full year to recover from any injuries, improve our shooting, bond with our teammates, and overall improve our play,” McCue said.
With renewed determination and a year of growth behind them, the Paly girls basketball team is ready to embrace the challenges of the season and prove their resilience on the court.
