The girls’ basketball team has been working through the season with high expectations, focusing on growth, teamwork, and improvement as the year continues. Head coach Merlin Williams said the team entered the season aiming to be one of the top teams in both conference and state.

“So far, we’re kind of in the middle of that,” Merlin Williams said. “We still have some improvement to do, but I’m looking forward to the rest of the season because I think we’re moving in the right direction.”

The same focus on improvement is seen throughout the team, such as junior Jada Crawford. She said her personal focus has been working to be the best version of herself.

“My personal goals for the season are to push myself to my full potential,” Crawford said. “I’m doing that by pushing myself during practice and holding myself accountable.”

While Crawford focuses on individual improvement, the team’s upperclassmen have prioritized staying connected and working toward shared goals. Senior Elyse Williams said team success comes from consistency.

“Our goal is to win,” Elyse Williams said. “We’re not exactly where we want to be yet, but I think we can make a turnaround.”

Merlin Williams said moments that show the student athletes taking accountability are what make coaching so rewarding.

“The hard work, the perseverance, getting knocked down and getting back up, motivating each other, and having a sense of unity while growing not just as players, but as people,” Merlin Williams said. As the season continues, players said the experience of competing together has been one of the most meaningful parts of the year. Elyse Williams said being part of the team has shaped how she approaches the game.

“I think personal goals are for us just to win, and I think we just achieved that day by day, in practice, together and just staying together,” said Elyse Williams.