The girls basketball season kicked off on Nov. 17. Since then, there have been 5 league games.
“The season is going well so far,” senior forward Joely Chadwick said. “League is coming to a close as we face some tougher competition to prepare for the playoffs.”
The girls have moved up from division 5A in 2023 to division 2AA in the spring of 2025. This year, they are hoping to play at the top.
“We are hoping to be either D1 or open division this year, which will be a test for us to see how we compare to some of the top teams in the nation,” Chadwick said.
Last year, the girls had a smaller team, making it difficult. This year, the roster has 12 players.
“This season is a lot different since it’s almost a whole new roster and a new coach, but I think our play style has changed a lot to become much more dynamic and fast-paced, rather than last year, when we only had six players and were a bit more limited,” junior guard Maya Deshautelle said.
This season brought about some changes for the team, including the hiring of a new coach.
“Having a new coach has been an interesting experience. It is difficult to adjust to a new system and new coaching styles, but Coach April’s immense knowledge of the game has been really useful,” Chadwick said.
The entire varsity team hopes to continue basketball at a college level. Coach April brings extra knowledge to the team on how to get recruited.
“She has coached and played at every level available, so she brings a whole different point of view,” Chadwick said. “She knows the ins and outs of recruitment, how to scout teams and players, what coaches want to see and what questions to ask. It’s greatly appreciated on a team where everyone is aiming to be recruited.”
The girls excitement towards basketball is shown in their energy during their games.
“Before games, we really try to get fired up as a team in the locker room and carry that onto the court with a lot of energy and handshakes,” Deshautelle said.
Throughout the season, the girls have worked together and developed a special bond with one another.
“My favorite part of the season is the playoffs. It is the end of the season, which is sad as it is my last one, but it is where the most memories are made,” Chadwick said. “Long bus rides, eating together and spending hours preparing for each game. Not every team makes it to this part of the season, so it’s kind of neat to have this experience each year. If we lose, we know the season is over, so it brings everyone together in a special way.”
The team’s momentum carries on and will live in the OPHS girls basketball program indefinitely.
“Being surrounded by so much talent and knowledge in my last season of high school is something I will forever be grateful for as I continue my basketball journey over the next four years,” Chadwick said.
