La Pine High School Girls Basketball Season Preview

La Pine High School's basketball team is gearing up for an exciting season filled with young talent, commitment, and community support. With a mix of returning players and new additions, Coach McKensey Nicks is confident that this year's team will make a strong impact on the court. The key to La Pine's success this year will be its collective commitment to individual improvement and strong community support. As a relatively young team, the players will need to rely on their strengths and skills to work together as a cohesive unit. However, their home games will be crucial for gaining momentum and securing wins, as their community's positive energy and support give them an extra boost. Coach Nicks emphasizes the importance of having the home crowd behind them, stating that it is difficult to play half of their games without that support. Leading the team this year are seniors Peyton Thrasher, August Walker, and Lindsey Moulder. Each one brings a unique skill set to the court and is expected to be a key player in the team's success. Thrasher, a post player, is a solid scorer, while Walker's tenacity and aggression motivate her teammates. Moulder, a natural athlete, brings height, speed, and a competitive edge to the team. Along with these seniors, juniors Nevaeh Martinez and Lucy Fisher are expected to make significant contributions on and off the court. Both players have shown leadership qualities and dedication to their improvement, making them valuable assets to the team. In terms of captain potential, junior guard Natalia Slater is a new addition to the team and is already showing promise. With strong fundamentals and a high basketball IQ, she is expected to make an immediate impact on the team's performance. With the change in coaching leadership, Coach Nicks anticipates some slight differences in the team's playing style. However, the team is working hard during the preseason to settle into their new dynamic and improve their level of play. The schedule also looks different this year, with a non-league game against Mazama that is expected to be a fierce rivalry. After trading wins with them in previous seasons, La Pine is determined to come out on top this time. While winning is always the goal, Coach Nicks emphasizes the importance of her players being students first. As a teacher herself, she believes that education opens up opportunities for success in the future.