As the basketball season approaches, all eyes are on the Vista Ridge High School girls’ basketball team. To earn their first-ever playoff game as a 6A program, the team is determined to continue improving their win/loss record and finish among the top 32 teams in the state. To get a better understanding of what we can expect from the team this season, we spoke to Coach Jeremy Ackerly about the top returning players, new additions, team culture, and goals for the season.
According to Coach Ackerly, the top returning players from last season are Brooklyn Kaiser and Jasmine Byers. Both players bring valuable skills to the team and are expected to have a major impact on both ends of the court. Kaiser, a senior, has scored almost 1000 career points and has been a consistent scorer and leader for the team since her freshman year.
Byers, also a senior, is a defensive force, leading the team in steals and deflections while boasting an impressive 43% field goal percentage. Their experience and skillset will be crucial for the team this year. In addition to these returning players, Coach Ackerly also has high hopes for a new addition to the team, freshman Bella Watters. He believes she will work her way into the team’s rotation due to her quickness, defensive abilities, and shooting skills.
With her in the mix, the team’s lineup and depth will only improve. When it comes to team captains, Coach Ackerly looks for players who possess qualities like accountability, confidence, and competitiveness. This year’s captains are all seniors – Kaiser, Byers, and Meadow Huestis. These leaders will be crucial in fostering team chemistry and camaraderie throughout the season.
Team chemistry and camaraderie are important aspects of any successful team, and Coach Ackerly has a few methods in place to cultivate them. He plans on implementing team-building activities, such as challenging tasks and team meals, as well as utilizing the weight room as a team. These activities will not only improve the players’ physical abilities but also build trust and strengthen their bond as a team.
To motivate his players to push themselves to their full potential, Coach Ackerly focuses on team-building experiences, such as challenging tasks and entertainment, as well as team meals. In addition, he emphasizes the importance of using the weight room as a team, helping the players stay physically fit and strengthening their bond as a team.
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