Shorewood High Girls Basketball 2025 Season Recap: A Story of Leadership, Growth, and Team Transformation
The 2025 winter season was a defining year for the Shorewood High School Girls Varsity Basketball team. Under the guidance of new head coach Velvet Moore-Owen, the team transformed from a struggling program into a competitive and resilient squad that showed remarkable growth and promise. After finishing the previous year with a 3-19 record, the Lady Greyhounds finished the season at a respectable 15-12, a testament to hard work, leadership, and a renewed team culture.
Key Contributors: Stars and Leaders
The heartbeat of the team this season was undoubtedly Serinity Metcalfe, who not only dazzled on the court by averaging an astounding 39 points per game but also earned a nomination for the Woodland Conference Player of the Year. Serinity’s impact went beyond statistics — her leadership was invaluable, especially with a very young supporting cast of mostly freshmen. Coach Moore-Owen praised Serinity’s patience and her role in motivating her teammates, ensuring they understood they belonged and could compete at this level.
Alongside Serinity, freshman Nyah Nelson emerged as a relentless force on the boards, finishing the season with 204 rebounds. Nyah’s tenacity and never-give-up attitude on the glass energized the team and often provided critical second-chance opportunities.
A Season of Progress and Perseverance
Coach Moore-Owen described the season as a “great” success, especially given the circumstances of taking over a program with a previous 3-19 record. The transition involved tough decisions—some of which were met with resistance from players and parents—but the coach’s focus remained unwavering on what was best for the team as a whole.
The senior leadership from Serinity and Maddie Kohler (who did not play the previous year) combined with the fresh talent of three freshmen athletes laid the foundation for a 15-12 season. This marked improvement reflected the positive direction and culture change instilled throughout the year.
Defining Moments: The Team Shows Its Grit
One defining moment that highlighted the team’s resilience came during a crucial Woodland Conference game. Serinity got into early foul trouble, a situation that could have destabilized the team. However, the Lady Greyhounds rallied together and held the conference’s number one scorer to just six points in the first half, maintaining their lead going into halftime.
This performance showcased not only the depth of the team but also their collective belief in each other, a hallmark of the season’s success.
Growth and Development: New Roles, New Confidence
As the season progressed, several players stepped up into bigger roles. Beyond Nyah Nelson’s dominance in rebounding, Sophomore Audrey Burns demonstrated her shooting skills and extended range, becoming a key offensive threat.
Freshman Kate Thiel developed growing confidence as the team’s point guard, learning to manage the floor and run the offense effectively. Additionally, Junior Evie Katt was promoted from JV and quickly made a name for herself as a defensive powerhouse, often tasked with shutting down the opposing team’s best players.
This growth among underclassmen bodes well for the program’s future, providing a strong core to build upon.
Responding to Adversity: Leadership in Tough Times
Adversity is inevitable in any sports season, but the Lady Greyhounds responded with resilience and a fighting spirit. Co-captain Maddie Kohler played a crucial role in lifting the team’s morale during difficult moments. Whether facing injuries, tough losses, or pressure-packed situations, Maddie’s motivation and leadership helped keep the team focused and confident.
Coach Moore-Owen emphasized that Maddie’s ability to inspire her teammates ensured that opponents knew they would have to work hard to earn a win against Shorewood.
Senior Class: Leadership That Shines
The senior class brought an impressive level of leadership, energy, and performance that helped define the team’s identity this season. Coach Moore-Owen highlighted several key qualities they exhibited:
Leadership: The seniors did the hard things and made them look easy, setting the tone for the entire team.
Commitment: They stayed true to the game plan even when fatigue set in, showing discipline and dedication.
Patience: In moments when plays broke down or turnovers happened, the seniors had a “goldfish mentality”—they quickly forgot mistakes and refocused on the next play.
Resilience: They played through ups and downs, knowing they had given their all and that success was a team effort, always reminding each other, “WE DID THIS TOGETHER.”
This senior presence provided stability and inspiration, helping the younger players embrace their roles and the team’s collective goals.
Looking Ahead: Building a Bright Future
Coach Moore-Owen expressed excitement about the returning players, emphasizing the team’s hunger to improve and compete. The core group of girls loves the game and is eager to work hard while enjoying the journey together.
This passion and camaraderie will be essential as the program continues to grow and develop, building on the foundation laid this season.
Offseason Goals: Sharpening Skills and Mentality
Heading into the offseason, Coach Moore-Owen outlined clear areas of focus for player and team development:
Shot Development: Helping players improve their shooting techniques to become more consistent and confident scorers.
Court Vision: Teaching players how to better read the game, anticipate plays, and make smart decisions with the ball.
Defensive Mindset: Continuing to cultivate a tenacious, disciplined approach on defense, reinforcing it as a cornerstone of the team’s identity.
Alongside skill development, maintaining the team’s mental toughness and unity will be a priority to prepare for next season’s challenges.
Following the Lady Greyhounds
Fans and supporters can keep up with Shorewood High Girls Basketball stats and updates on MaxPreps, providing an accessible way to track the team’s progress throughout the season.
Conclusion: A Season of Transformation and Hope
The 2025 season for Shorewood High’s Girls Varsity Basketball team was a remarkable story of transformation. From inheriting a team with a tough prior record to guiding them to a winning season, Coach Velvet Moore-Owen’s leadership and vision have already begun to shape a promising future.
Key contributors like Serinity Metcalfe and Nyah Nelson, along with emerging talents such as Audrey Burns, Kate Thiel, and Evie Katt, laid the groundwork for a team culture defined by hard work, resilience, and unity.
The senior class’s leadership qualities—patience, commitment, and resilience—created a blueprint for success that younger players are eager to follow. The offseason focus on skill development and defensive intensity promises an even stronger team next year.
As the Lady Greyhounds look ahead, their love for the game and determination to compete make them a team to watch in the coming seasons. Shorewood High Girls Basketball is on an upward trajectory, fueled by talent, teamwork, and a collective belief that they belong—and will thrive—in this space.
This season wasn’t just about wins and losses. It was about building a program, cultivating leadership, and igniting a passion that will carry forward. The future is bright for Shorewood High, and the Lady Greyhounds are ready to soar higher than ever before.
 combined with the fresh talent of three freshmen athletes laid the foundation for a 15-12 season. This marked improvement reflected the positive direction and culture change instilled throughout the year.
Defining Moments: The Team Shows Its Grit
One defining moment that highlighted the team’s resilience came during a crucial Woodland Conference game. Serinity got into early foul trouble, a situation that could have destabilized the team. However, the Lady Greyhounds rallied together and held the conference’s number one scorer to just six points in the first half, maintaining their lead going into halftime.
This performance showcased not only the depth of the team but also their collective belief in each other, a hallmark of the season’s success.
Growth and Development: New Roles, New Confidence
As the season progressed, several players stepped up into bigger roles. Beyond Nyah Nelson’s dominance in rebounding, Sophomore Audrey Burns demonstrated her shooting skills and extended range, becoming a key offensive threat.
Freshman Kate Thiel developed growing confidence as the team’s point guard, learning to manage the floor and run the offense effectively. Additionally, Junior Evie Katt was promoted from JV and quickly made a name for herself as a defensive powerhouse, often tasked with shutting down the opposing team’s best players.
This growth among underclassmen bodes well for the program’s future, providing a strong core to build upon.
Responding to Adversity: Leadership in Tough Times
Adversity is inevitable in any sports season, but the Lady Greyhounds responded with resilience and a fighting spirit. Co-captain Maddie Kohler played a crucial role in lifting the team’s morale during difficult moments. Whether facing injuries, tough losses, or pressure-packed situations, Maddie’s motivation and leadership helped keep the team focused and confident.
Coach Moore-Owen emphasized that Maddie’s ability to inspire her teammates ensured that opponents knew they would have to work hard to earn a win against Shorewood.
Senior Class: Leadership That Shines
The senior class brought an impressive level of leadership, energy, and performance that helped define the team’s identity this season. Coach Moore-Owen highlighted several key qualities they exhibited:
Leadership: The seniors did the hard things and made them look easy, setting the tone for the entire team.
Commitment: They stayed true to the game plan even when fatigue set in, showing discipline and dedication.
Patience: In moments when plays broke down or turnovers happened, the seniors had a “goldfish mentality”—they quickly forgot mistakes and refocused on the next play.
Resilience: They played through ups and downs, knowing they had given their all and that success was a team effort, always reminding each other, “WE DID THIS TOGETHER.”
This senior presence provided stability and inspiration, helping the younger players embrace their roles and the team’s collective goals.
Looking Ahead: Building a Bright Future
Coach Moore-Owen expressed excitement about the returning players, emphasizing the team’s hunger to improve and compete. The core group of girls loves the game and is eager to work hard while enjoying the journey together.
This passion and camaraderie will be essential as the program continues to grow and develop, building on the foundation laid this season.
Offseason Goals: Sharpening Skills and Mentality
Heading into the offseason, Coach Moore-Owen outlined clear areas of focus for player and team development:
Shot Development: Helping players improve their shooting techniques to become more consistent and confident scorers.
Court Vision: Teaching players how to better read the game, anticipate plays, and make smart decisions with the ball.
Defensive Mindset: Continuing to cultivate a tenacious, disciplined approach on defense, reinforcing it as a cornerstone of the team’s identity.
Alongside skill development, maintaining the team’s mental toughness and unity will be a priority to prepare for next season’s challenges.
Following the Lady Greyhounds
Fans and supporters can keep up with Shorewood High Girls Basketball stats and updates on MaxPreps, providing an accessible way to track the team’s progress throughout the season.
Conclusion: A Season of Transformation and Hope
The 2025 season for Shorewood High’s Girls Varsity Basketball team was a remarkable story of transformation. From inheriting a team with a tough prior record to guiding them to a winning season, Coach Velvet Moore-Owen’s leadership and vision have already begun to shape a promising future.
Key contributors like Serinity Metcalfe and Nyah Nelson, along with emerging talents such as Audrey Burns, Kate Thiel, and Evie Katt, laid the groundwork for a team culture defined by hard work, resilience, and unity.
The senior class’s leadership qualities—patience, commitment, and resilience—created a blueprint for success that younger players are eager to follow. The offseason focus on skill development and defensive intensity promises an even stronger team next year.
As the Lady Greyhounds look ahead, their love for the game and determination to compete make them a team to watch in the coming seasons. Shorewood High Girls Basketball is on an upward trajectory, fueled by talent, teamwork, and a collective belief that they belong—and will thrive—in this space.
This season wasn’t just about wins and losses. It was about building a program, cultivating leadership, and igniting a passion that will carry forward. The future is bright for Shorewood High, and the Lady Greyhounds are ready to soar higher than ever before.)
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