After a challenging but rewarding season last year, the Oak Park High School girls basketball team is ready for the new season ahead.
Last year the team had a record of 21 wins and four losses. The girls qualified and won the Division II AA championship. With a good record from last year, the girls hope to continue it this season.
“I hope we win state this year, I think we have a really strong team and a good chance of being successful with that,” senior forward Joely Chadwick said. “Personal goals, I just hope to get better. I feel I’m in a really good situation by being surrounded by such a good team, so I want to take advantage of that opportunity.”
Although the team has new players, the team keeps their tight bond and connection while playing with a majority of returning players.
“I think the success we had last season will only help us this season,” Chadwick said. “We have a lot of returners who have been through playoff schedule before. I think having that experience within our team will help us go even further in this upcoming season.”
This season the girls have a new coach which will open new opportunities to learn and grow together.
“I’m really excited about the new players and our new coach,” Chadwick said. “I think it’s a great environment, we had a lot of talent transfer in for this season so the combination of our returners and the new players is going to be really exciting to witness as the season progresses.”
In preparation for the season ahead, the girls have begun practicing and building a strong team bond.
“Preparing for the season has been a lot of team building,” Chadwick said. “Coming into a season with so many people from different places means we need to get on the same page. Aside from that we have been working on a lot of game situations to be prepared for anything and everything that comes at us this season.”
Although the team has high hopes to win, it is also important for them to play together on their strong team.
“I just want to go out with a bang my final year,” Chadwick said. “Winning is always fun, but being surrounded by people who you can make memories with is even better.”
Come support the girls at the first game on Nov. 17 at 6pm in the OPHS gym.
