The Westside girls basketball team took on Marian in a tough game on Thursday Jan. 8th. Every year fans from both sides join together to watch a good rivalry game. This year, as they have for the past 4 years now, westside came out on top. Taking the W from the crusaders 50-28.
At the end of the game, whoever wins is presented with the warsader trophy. This makes the game extra exciting for both teams especially the westside girls. Coach Steven Clark talks about the nerves before the game as it means a lot to both schools.
“The girls get excited before every game, and this had a little extra as they really wanted to win the WarSader trophy at home,” Clark said.
With lots of people watching and the warsader trophy on the line the game was really important. Coach Clark talks about having a focused mindset so the girls could succeed and win the game.
“We have been focused on a one game at a time mindset. To Beat Them All, we have to be focused on the game at hand,” Clark said.
All the girls produce great wins, but some key players help the most. Coach Clark mentioned Sania Foster, and Jayah Freeman. These 2 scored double digits, which led the team to the win.
“Sanai and Jayah both scored in double figures, and our whole team buying into collectively stopping their best player was the key to the game,” Clark said “It is our All In mentality”
Marian is a good team, and has good players that made the game close. Coach Clark talks about what the girls prepared for to win the game.
“We worked really hard on our team defense to contain their best player, Alivia Kuhn. She is a top talent in the state,” Clark said.
During the game there were many important moments that made the game go in the warriors favor, Coach Clark says having strong confidence and having possession of the ball. Starting off with the best foot forward is crucial.
“It was crucial to get off to a good start, and every possession that we stopped gave us momentum and confidence,” Clark said.
Having – seniors on the roster, the team is led by their leadership. Many of the seniors have been on the team for multiple years and know what is expected of them, how to benefit the team.
“Our seniors bring us a sense of maturity and leadership. Either playing hard in practice, on the court, or on the bench, they are always positive and engaged,” Clark said.
Halftime is so important to the team, down or ahead it is a time to talk about what needs to improve, or what they need to keep doing to make sure they can take the win during the final half. For the warriors, Clark and the other assistant coaches talk to the girls and will make adjustments.
“Halftimes are always about refueling, discussing what went well, and how we will adjust for the 2nd half. No real motivation – what are we seeing? What will we do about it?,” Clark said.
The bleachers were packed for the win over Marian, and the warriors received the warsader trophy at the end of the game. Coach Clark talks about the emotions of the team.
“It is super fun to have a great crowd and to play for the trophy. It felt great to see how excited the girls were and how happy they were to play well in front of a big crowd,” Clark said.
Student support is also important, Westside’s Red Shield, student section crowd leaders, showed up to the marian game, and tried to make it to many of the home games of the girls. Coach Clark talks about how grateful they were for the student support.
“We are super appreciative of the Red Shield and others that came to support the team,” Clark said.
The start of the season has gone really well, and the girls are ranked in the top 5 in the state so far. But the team is just entering the middle of the season where they will play some good competition and it is important to stay focused so they can reach their goal of winning a state championship.
Coach Clark knows that there is a tough competition ahead but the girls will be able to reach their goals as long as they keep their mindset straight.
“We still have a tough schedule left, and all of our goals are attainable. We will stick with the one game at a time mindset,” Clark said. “ We are capable, and it will come down to what we are willing to do. FAM1LY.”
Catch the girls on the court this weekend at Papio south, and at home on Sat. Jan. 24. Vs Millard South.
