SPORTS

Graphic by Emma Tomlinson.

6ophomore forZard .aiya Walker goes for a layup at a home game on 1oY.  against $nderson. 7he 7igers Zon 99. 3hoto courtesy of Corey Williams.

Girls shoot to top 8ndefeated start puts team fi rst in state, top ten in nation

Emma Tomlinson tomliemm000@hsestudents.org

Ranked fourth nationally as of Dec. 3, according to MaxPreps, the varsity girls basketball team starts the season with a ! record for the fi rst time in team history. This year is the best starting record the team has ever had. In eight of their nine games, the Tigers have defeated their opponents by at least 10 points, with the greatest margin of victory being 45 points against Zionsville. “Our whole team is excited about our record,” junior Katie Howard said. “This team has worked really hard and we are all thrilled to keep improving.” To improve on the court, conditioning is key. This year, the coaches spent more time conditioning and getting the team ready for games. “The coaching staff has done a ton of things to help ]s get better in o]r off season,º R]nior Katie Burton said. “They push us a lot harder and hold us to a higher standard, which helps us compete and be motivated every game.” The addition of new players has increased the athleticism and speed of the team. Three new freshmen made the varsity team this year, and the team lost only two graduates. Compared to last year, every single stat, from points per game, to blocks has increased. Points

per game have increased by eight and blocks have doubled from two to four per game. “The coaches have pushed our training harder in the off season which is helping ]s get better,º junior Katie Howard said, “We all put in so much work and we know this is going to be a big year for us.” The coaches spend more time on preparing for games but also helping them recover after them. Freshman coach and English teacher Ben Beasley made additions to the team’s recovery equipment and Walker believes that it has made the recovery after games easier. The team uses the ice bath, and pneumatic and massage guns. “The equipment has helped everyone on the team with injuries, but it also gets us ready and keeps us fresh for game day,” sophomore Kaiya Walker said. The team’s atmosphere and attitude contributed to their wins, according to senior Lydia Stulken. One of their priorities is to maintain and improve their culture and camaraderie of the team. “I see us winning even more games,” Stulken said. “I feel great and super optimistic about what the rest of the season holds for us.” The girls varsity team plays at home next on Dec. 19 against Pendleton Heights.