SHE SHOOTS AND SHE SCORES

PLAYERS KENNEDY STRATTON AND LENA EVANS FOCUSED MID GAME; PHOTO BY GABI HENRIQUEZ

With a perfect streak of 7-0, I think it’s safe to say the girls basketball team has established themselves this season. Even with the obstacle of adjusting with a new coach, (Matthew Hoeppner) they have had a phenomenal start to the season. A great team becomes even better with a great coach. Hoeppner shared that he is extremely proud of his athletes. He mentioned that some of his goals for this season are to “win conference, make it to state, and win state.” Based on what we’ve seen thus far, I’d say that is a huge possibility for the team. “We are taking it one game at a time as we work towards those goals.” One main component of a great coach is their ability to support and motivate their athletes, and Hoeppner does just that. “One thing I do for my players is to allow them to have fun,” he says. “We play music during our practices and I strive to let them enjoy playing basketball instead of it being another grinding season that they are doing.” He also mentioned that he believes allowing them to have these fun moments helps them to want to improve and succeed.

One of the seniors this year, Kennedy Stratton, also feels that this season's start is one of their best. Kennedy found her interest at just five years old, but didn’t start playing in tournaments until around third grade. It doesn’t come as a surprise that Kennedy has excelled in basketball, as two of her older sisters, Kaylee and Karsyn, played with just as much passion as Kennedy does now. Stratton also shared that her love for the game blossomed in her sophomore year after a great season. “My love for the game has grown especially after my sophomore season where we won the state title,” she says. “The friends I've made along the way have become a part of my family and that's a huge reason I'm able to get through the good times and hard times.” Expectedly, some of her favorite memories were also from her sophomore year state tournament. “I remember the feeling of the pink shirt on my body and ‘We Are The Champions’ playing while the whole community cheered us on.” It’s clear that Kennedy has found her community and family through this sport. Some of her goals for the season correspond with their coach: make it to state. 

Winning state this year would be a perfect end to Kennedy’s senior year, but she also has hopes for the season outside of that. “I hope that we have another season filled with wins and good memories with teammates.” With the connection, skill, and dedication this team has shown so far, these goals seem more than possible. Lastly, anyone interested in joining basketball for the 2026-2027 season, get in contact with any current athletes or their coach. Kennedy also suggests, “Be open to all new things and just try your hardest. You'll have a wonderful support system behind you for everything you need.”