2025 Winter Season Recap: Somerset Christian Girls Varsity Basketball – A Historic First Step
The 2025 winter basketball season marked a milestone for Somerset Christian School as it officially launched its first-ever Girls Varsity Basketball Team. Under the leadership of Head Coach Gary Abbott, the fledgling squad took to the court with heart, hustle, and a passion that defied their youth and inexperience.
Despite fielding a team comprised entirely of middle schoolers and freshmen—with no juniors or seniors—the team not only competed, they excelled, finishing their inaugural varsity season with a 12-8 record. For a brand-new program with no prior varsity experience, this kind of success is almost unheard of.
Young Leaders, Big Impact
Two players stood out as pillars of this young squad: Addie Waddle, a 7th-grade point guard, and Marlee Durham, a 9th-grade shooting forward. Though young in age, their maturity on the court told a different story.
“Addie and Marlee were the engines of our team,” Coach Abbott explained. “Addie ran our offense with poise, and Marlee was our go-to scorer.”
Addie Waddle took on the crucial role of point guard, responsible not just for ball handling and playmaking but also for keeping the team composed during pressure situations. She showed an advanced understanding of the game well beyond her years.
Meanwhile, Marlee Durham was the team’s leading scorer, providing a consistent offensive spark every night. Her ability to shoot, drive, and finish under pressure was vital to Somerset Christian’s offensive success throughout the season.
But they weren't alone. Another 7th grader, Sophia Guerrero, emerged as a rebounding force, anchoring the defense and dominating the boards. Her gritty play in the paint gave the team a physical edge against much older and more experienced opponents.
A Season of Firsts
As the school’s first varsity girls basketball team, every game this year was a step into uncharted territory. And according to Coach Abbott, each matchup was a defining moment.
“We had no seniors or juniors,” he said. “We played mostly middle school kids, so every game was about building the future.”
Despite the odds, the team stayed above .500 for the season—something rarely seen in inaugural campaigns, particularly with such a young roster. From the very first tip-off, these girls showed they were not interested in excuses. They were there to compete.
More than just wins and losses, each contest served as a valuable learning experience, teaching lessons in resilience, teamwork, and discipline that will shape the program for years to come.
Overcoming Challenges with Grit and Growth
Injuries, tough losses, and high-pressure situations are inevitable in any season, but for a young team still finding its identity, they can be especially daunting. For Somerset Christian, these obstacles became opportunities for growth.
“We worked through several injuries,” Coach Abbott shared. “The girls gained valuable experience that will carry into next season.”
The team’s response to adversity was a clear sign of their mental toughness. Instead of folding under pressure, they leaned on each other, adjusted roles as needed, and kept improving every step of the way. The experience they gained in navigating these challenges as a unit will be instrumental moving forward.
No Seniors, No Problem
One might assume that a team with no upperclassmen would struggle with leadership and stability, but Somerset Christian proved otherwise. In fact, the absence of seniors allowed younger players to step up, take ownership, and grow in ways that are often reserved for older athletes.
With no senior class to lean on, leadership responsibilities naturally fell on the shoulders of players like Addie Waddle and Marlee Durham. They rose to the occasion, guiding their teammates with quiet confidence and setting the tone for the culture of the program.
Coach Abbott emphasized how impressed he was by the way these underclassmen embraced leadership roles. Their energy, commitment, and willingness to work together formed the backbone of the team’s success.
A Future Full of Promise
Perhaps the most exciting aspect of the 2025 season isn’t what happened on the court—it’s what’s to come.
“We’re bringing everyone back,” Coach Abbott noted, “plus we’ve got a talented group of middle schoolers joining next year.”
This continuity gives Somerset Christian an enviable foundation. With a full season of varsity experience now under their belts, these returning players will be even more prepared to compete, lead, and elevate the program.
The incoming class will add depth, competition, and a fresh wave of energy. And with Coach Abbott at the helm, the team is in good hands as it enters its next phase of development.
Offseason Goals: Sharpening Skills and Making Smarter Plays
While the 2025 season exceeded expectations, Coach Abbott has no plans of slowing down. This offseason, the team will focus on shooting, ball handling, and better decision-making—the core fundamentals that separate good teams from great ones.
By fine-tuning their offensive execution and improving their ability to make smart in-game choices, Somerset Christian is aiming to take the next step in its evolution—from a surprise success story to a consistent contender.
And given the drive and determination this young team has already displayed, it’s clear they’re more than capable of making that leap.
Follow the Journey
For those interested in tracking the progress and performance of this rising team, statistics can be found on the KHSAA (Kentucky High School Athletic Association) website or directly through Coach Abbott, who has team data available for review.
Conclusion: A Foundation Set in Stone
The 2025 Somerset Christian Girls Varsity Basketball Team will forever hold a special place in school history—not just because they were the first, but because they laid a foundation built on resilience, belief, and unmatched heart.
With no upperclassmen and no expectations, they exceeded every benchmark. They competed with determination, played with passion, and turned what could have been a development year into a breakout season.
More than that, they set the tone for what this program will become. And as Coach Abbott and his players look ahead, one thing is certain: the future of Somerset Christian basketball is incredibly bright.
 website or directly through Coach Abbott, who has team data available for review.
Conclusion: A Foundation Set in Stone
The 2025 Somerset Christian Girls Varsity Basketball Team will forever hold a special place in school history—not just because they were the first, but because they laid a foundation built on resilience, belief, and unmatched heart.
With no upperclassmen and no expectations, they exceeded every benchmark. They competed with determination, played with passion, and turned what could have been a development year into a breakout season.
More than that, they set the tone for what this program will become. And as Coach Abbott and his players look ahead, one thing is certain: the future of Somerset Christian basketball is incredibly bright.){kind=tracking}
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