Girls basketball kicks off season with second place in Hays City Shootout

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Hays High School’s varsity girls basketball team recently started its season, and so far, the team’s record is 4-1.

Their first games of the season were played during the Hays City Shootout on Dec. 1-3, which got them prepared for the season. In the championship game on Dec. 3, they lost by just three points against Fort Smith Northside, 39-36, to take second overall, but to get there, they beat Newton, 45-29, in the first round on Dec. 1, and the No. 1-ranked 6A school, Washburn Rural, 37-33, in the second round on Dec. 2.

“I think we really showed people the type of team we will be this year at the Shootout,” senior Carly Lang said.

On Friday, Dec. 9, Hays High played Junction City and ended with a score of 51-23 with the lady Indians taking the win.

“Personally, the season is going great,” Lang said. “I love my teammates, and I love showing up every day for them because they’re just a super fun group to be around.”

The team has made improvements since the start of the season, but can improve even more, according to sophomore Katie Linenberger.

“I think we could improve on being more confident when we play,” Linenberger said.

With basketball, there are many different plays for teams to learn.

“Our most effective play is our four-game because we can change it up every time,” junior Jillyan Sheldon said.

Leading the team are five coaches, including a new addition to the basketball staff with assistant coach Matt Brooks.

“We need to go inside and out constantly and just learn to talk to each other and connect with each other, but overall, we are doing pretty good,” Brooks said.

Although the season has started off on the right foot, it will get harder as the season progresses. Winter Break falls right at the beginning of the season, which Brooks said is hard for the team.

“I think one of the hardest things is having six games before Christmas break and not a lot of practice time,” Brooks said.

However, Lang has no doubt in her mind that the team will do fine if they have fun and come to work throughout the entire season.

“The hardest part for me will be holding everyone together and making sure they have a good attitude so they can show up and work,” Lang said.

26bbarber@usd489.com & 26lhernandez@usd489.com