STLCC-Meramec is dribbling towards a new women’s basketball season. Shooting hoops and running layup drills, the team is preparing with new hopes and new strategies.
Kelly Davis
– Copy Editor –
STLCC-Meramec is dribbling towards a new women’s basketball season. Shooting hoops and running layup drills, the team is preparing with new hopes and new strategies.
“I expect that my kids will play really hard and give a 100 percent this season,” said head coach Shelly Ethridge, who has been coaching at Meramec for two years.
Ethridge said they are utilizing their strengths this year. With new and former players, they have a lot of advantages. The squad has the qualities and experience to compete for the regional title.
“We have a very good and talented squad this year,” said Kasei Evans, who is a returning team member. “The team seems to bond very well and we have good chemistry.”
There are 14 players total, seven returning members and seven new.
“I’m excited to see how well the team plays. Last year they were awesome, so I have high hopes for them this year,” said Nikki Rushlow, Meramec student and basketball fan.
Last year the team ended their season with the record of 11-14.
Ethridge said she believes they will have a better outcome this season because there are so many players with a lot of experience.
However, the team does have a setback.
“We are short on posts. Luckily the posts we have are strong though,” said Evans. “We are very guard heavy.”
Meramec’s Magic women’s basketball team will be starting off the season with the North Arkansas Tournament, which takes place in Arkansas. On Nov. 3, they play for the first time at 7 p.m. On Nov. 4, the team has their second game at 1:30 p.m. Their first home game has yet to be announced.
Evans said, “I am really excited about the tournament. The team is ready to show off their strengths.”
The team will play 30 games this season.
Evans said the team has been preparing for these upcoming games by practicing, working out and getting a lot of rest.
However, the team has to make time for their education.
“We succeed in the classroom,” said Ethridge. “Homework comes first.”
Ethridge said she does not want the students to fall behind on their homework. She wants the players to strive for a better education and succeed on the court as well.
“I give the players a lot of credit. I would be exhausted if I played basketball, worked and went to school. I would have no down time in my life,” said Rushlow.
Evans said the basketball team is anticipating a long and eventful season.
“No matter what the outcome, these girls will hold their heads up high for they tried their best this season,” said Ethridge.
