Early in November, Westside Wired brought you an early season preview for winter sports. Now, with the season beginning, we will be bringing you more in-depth looks at different sports and their levels. 

With the girls basketball season starting Thursday, Dec. 5 varsity head coach Steve Clark looks forward to getting the season started.

“The season looks bright and we’re all excited to get started,” Clark said. “We have some injuries to play through in the beginning, but should have everyone healthy in time to make a run at the state tournament. Our seniors — Mallory Thompson, Marie Matthews, Shannen Pickering and Rachel Kaup — have done a great job preparing for the season. We have a good mix of juniors and sophomores ready to make big contributions to the team. Jay Bridgeman will be a player to keep an eye on as she is getting a lot of interest from college recruiters. I think the girls would say to expect a team that plays with a lot of heart and competes to best of their ability every game.”

The varsity team is not the only team gearing up for the season. Junior varsity coach Beth Peitzmeier looks forward to the upcoming season.

“I think it is going to be an exciting season,” Peitzmeier said. “We have a lot of girls that are passionate about the game and are working hard to become better players.”

Peitzmeier recognizes the importance of the whole team, not just the individual.

“Everyone has roles that they need to bring in order for our team to be successful,” Peitzmeier said. “We have seven juniors on the team so I am expecting great leadership. I think we are going to have a successful season.”

The reserve team is also busy preparing for the season. Head coach Tom Marasco understands this season will be no small task.

“The upcoming season will be a challenge,” Marasco said. “Our first game is against Marian, who usually fields a pretty good team. Players to keep an eye out for I would say are Jenna Hynek, Carleigh Pope and Tay Bridgeman.”

The team is hard at work getting ready for the approaching games.

“We are preparing by focusing on fundamentals and being mentally in the game,” Marasco said. “The girls need to know the plays and run them effectively. You can expect a team that will play hard for four quarters, a team that will work hard in practice [and] a team that will represent Westside in a positive light at all times.  And hopefully we can expect to meet or surpass our goals.”

The varsity girls will kick off their season Thursday, Dec. 5 at home against Lincoln North Star.

Girls Varsity Roster

Callie Anderson

Jay Bridgeman

Lynsey Curran

Regan Johnson

Rachel Kaup

Cassidy Kennedy

Marie Matthews

Bridget Mizener

Shannon Pickering

Jenn Poots

Maya Solarana

Miranda Thacker

Mallory Thompson

GIrls JV Roster

Anna Shehan

Kayla Ruh

Blair Coziahr

Destiny Brunt

Clair Selby

Cassidy Kennedy

Laura Schenken

Davisha Garrett

Callie Anderson

Cassie Oliver

Jazmine Duff

Maya Solarana