Girls squad jumps into season Nov. 25

By Laura Clark

Published: November 19, 2008

With tryouts just a couple days behind them and the first game in less than a week, the Lancer girls basketball team is in a rush to get used to playing together.

Fourth-year head coach Erin Begley said early season goals are to build team unity and get her team in shape, “so toward the middle of the season we’re peaking.”

The Lancers return several key players, including senior forward Jasmine Ware, senior shooting guard Kiara Garland and senior point guard Meghan Fontaine.

Key newcomers include sophomore forward Mia White, sophomore guard Shelby Bowling and freshman guard Linda Williams. Returning after a year hiatus is senior forward Jericah Glover.

“I think everybody on the team has potential if they put the hard work into it,” Garland said. “Jasmine is a stealer. She works hard. Meghan and Shelby are good ball handlers. I can take good jump shots.”

As the pieces come together, Begley said her team has to play tough defense and smart offense.

“We’re small,” she said. “I really think we’re going to be better off than we were last year, but we’re still a work in progress.”

The Lancers are coming off a winless season, but the seniors were able to put that in perspective.

“No matter what the outcome is, as long as you do your best, that’s what matters,” said Ware, who added that her family’s support helps a lot.

“Encourage each other to play hard and no matter what, don’t give up, keep your head up,” said Garland of what she took from last season.

Fontaine said being unable to keep up with other teams hurt last year, so the Lancers have been running suicides in practice. She hopes this season can be one with more wins than losses.

“I think that we’ll work really well together because none of us have attitudes,” Fontaine said.

“My main focus is probably just teamwork right now, getting ourselves together. We have a little ways to go.”