A new gymnasium. A fresh, new team. A new season. A new chance.
The Oxford Girls Varsity Basketball team is working hard to start their first season in their new high school off with a bang. The 14 member team is returning only six members (five seniors and one junior), but the ladies are confident they can improve upon last season.
‘I think overall we’re quicker and more determined this year,? said Coach Becky Graves. ‘We’re right in the middle with this team, there’s really no highs and no lows. I can use pretty much anyone anywhere I need them.?
The Lady Cats completed last year with a hard 8-13 record. Coach Graves agreed that the team carried the same difficulty throughout the season: scoring. This season though, the ladies are working harder on earning points and will be looking to Megan Stumph, Mykala Salquist and Kacey Cookingham for their shots.
‘Basically though, when it comes to the game, we need someone to step up and score,? Graves concluded.
The starting line-up for this year’s team includes Team Captains Ally Zonsius (point guard), Vanessa Collier (guard) and Megan Stumph (forward), as well as forward/center Mykala Salquist and center Kacey Cookingham.
Once again the Lady Wildcats will be facing a tough non-league season, competing against teams such as Crosswell Lexington, Goodrich and Flushing. In the league, the ladies will need to dominate Brandon and Lapeer West for any shots at the title.
‘We’re strong again defensively this year,? said Graves. ‘We’ll just have to work on our shooting.?
The Lady Wildcats are starting off their season at home with the Ian Smith Invitational (also called the Oxford Invitational) against Lake Orion on Aug. 24 and Carmen Ainsworth on Aug. 26. The kickoff to the season was held last night with the dedication of the new gymnasium in honor of past Oxford teacher and Coach Ian Smith.
Results from the invitational will be available in next week’s edition of The Leader.