As the upcoming basketball season approaches, fans of the Anthony Wayne High School girls’ team are undoubtedly eager to see what the team has in store. With a strong lineup of returning players, new upcoming talent, and a dedicated coaching staff, the team is poised for success this year. Coach Jami Carter, who has been with the team for several years now, is looking to lead her players to their best season yet.
When asked about the team's goals, Carter stated, "As with any season our first goal is to be playing our best come tournament time in late February and March." This focus on peaking at the right time shows the team's determination and desire to compete with the best in the state. The team's top returning players are Elise Bender, Brooke Bender, Leah Pike, and Sophie Smith. Elise and Brooke Bender, twin sisters committed to Villanova, are standouts on the court.
Elise, who was named first-team All-State last season, is a multi-level scorer with a fierce competitive drive. Brooke, the team's unquestioned leader and director on the floor, is deadly accurate from three-point range. Leah, who received Special Mention All-State in 2023-24, is a quiet and unassuming player who is supremely accurate from the field.
And lastly, Sophie, the team's point guard, impresses with her sleek ball-handling and accurate passes. When it comes to selecting team captains, Coach Carter puts the responsibility on each player. "We do not select team captains," she said. "We expect each one of our players to 'captain' themselves and their teammates every moment.
This allows them to take ownership of the team, themselves, and each other." This mindset of self-leadership and accountability is crucial for a successful team dynamic. The team is also looking forward to the contributions of several players who did not see much playing time last season, including Kennedie Addison Hill, and Corrin Votz.
With a diverse skill set among these players, they are sure to make an impact on the team this year. Team chemistry and camaraderie are vital for a successful season and Coach Carter emphasizes the importance of it. "We often, for team functions, will intermingle our varsity with our junior varsity and freshman as we insist on instilling an attitude that we are a program, not a single distinct team," she says.
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