Highland High School Girls Basketball Season Preview

Highland High School's girls varsity basketball team is gearing up for an exciting and competitive season. With a strong group of returning players and a promising group of newcomers, the team is focused on achieving their goals and making their mark on the court. I had the opportunity to speak with the team's head coach, James Madison, to get a preview of what the season has in store for Highland High School. Coach Madison wasted no time in highlighting the top returning players from last season. He named, "Kennedy Morgan (guard), Aleena VanKirk (post), Grace Shondel (guard), Rowan Kildoo (guard), Emeri Gausman (post), Grace Weber (guard), and Bianca Pallante (guard)" as some of the key players to watch out for. Coach Madison emphasized that what makes these players special is their determination, work ethic, and leadership qualities both on and off the court. Their experience and skills will be crucial in guiding the team to success. This year, the team also has some new players who are expected to make an immediate impact. Coach Madison mentioned Kennedy Morgan, Aleena VanKirk, and Emeri Gausman as some of the newcomers to keep an eye on. These players bring a mix of talent, determination, and athleticism to the team, making them valuable additions to Highland High School's lineup. When it comes to selecting team captains, Coach Madison looks for players who possess leadership qualities, work ethic, and effort. This season, Madison Morgan has been named captain and will be responsible for motivating and guiding her teammates on and off the court. While other players may also be vying for the captain role, it is clear that Coach Madison sees Madison Morgan as a standout leader for the team. A key factor in the team's success will be their chemistry and camaraderie. Coach Madison acknowledges that team chemistry is crucial to achieving their goals. He plans on fostering this through team activities outside of basketball such as bowling and putt-putt, which help the players bond and develop strong relationships. This camaraderie will translate onto the court and help the team perform at their best. Motivating players to reach their full potential is a constant challenge for any coach. For Coach Madison, it is important to make sure his players are self-motivated and have the drive to succeed. He mentioned that the team has already started this effort by engaging in various non-basketball activities together.