GIRLS BASKETBALL

THE GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM POSING FOR A PICTURE ON THE COURT; PHOTO BY KS PHOTOGRAPHY

Some might be unaware, but basketball is a sport that originated in Springfield, Massachusetts in 1891. It was invented by James Naismith who was also a worldwide athletic phenomenon. He came up with it because it was a rock-tossing game he used to play when he was a child. In this game, you would throw a rock at a target, and the team that got the most in the target would win. So he decided to call this game basketball and he wrote up 13 rules for it.

  I interviewed a few girls on the Clear Creek Amana varsity basketball team to ask some questions about basketball. First I interviewed Kelsey Leathers. Here are the questions that I asked: 

How is your season going? 

“The team has been improving with each game, and we’re all working hard to build stronger chemistry on and off the court. It’s been exciting to see our progress as a team.” 

How do you want to improve? 

“I want to improve as a basketball player by refining my skills, building my confidence, and becoming a stronger teammate. Consistency, hard work, and mental toughness will help me reach my full potential. All of my teammates and I have worked hard during the off-season and hopefully, we will see that pay off at the end of February and beginning of March at the tournament.” 

How long have you been playing? 

“I have been playing basketball for 12 years. I started playing when I was 5, and I’ve loved it ever since. It’s always been a great way to challenge myself and stay active.” 

What's your favorite part? 

“My favorite part is working together towards a common goal with my team. I love how we grow closer and enjoy each other's company along the way and especially how hype we get in the locker rooms before the games.” 

Next, I interviewed Kennedy Stratton. These are the questions that I asked her: 

How is your season going so far? 

“Our season so far has been challenging but exciting! We played 7 ranked teams in our first 10 games and while we got some losses we learned from them and became better.” 

How do you want to improve? 

“I personally want to improve by being able to lift my teammates in hard times and show them that either way we are together.”

How long have you been playing basketball? 

“I’ve been playing basketball since I was 3 years old. All of my sisters have been playing all their lives as well, so it runs in our family!”

Why did you decide to start playing basketball? 

“My sisters are the main reason I joined basketball! My oldest sister Karsyn is the one who inspired me to start playing and trying hard. I’ve always wanted to be like her and my love for basketball sparked from watching her play.”