As the girls’ basketball team’s season approaches the finish line, players are confident they can make a run in playoffs. At the moment the team’s record is 7-12 and they will play their final game of the season against Blake on Feb. 21.

Despite the team’s recent struggle, junior Maya Bellamy is confident that this is just a learning curve. “It’s been tough after winter break due to our difficult schedule, but we have learned so much playing great teams,” Bellamy said.

The team lost 63-39 on Feb. 4 against Winston Churchill on Senior Night. Despite this, senior Maddy Matthews still enjoyed the memorable night. Currently, the team finds strength in their sense of unity. “Our team chemistry compared to last year’s team [improved] and we play as a unit and have a good bond,” Matthews said.

Similarly, Bellamy said the team’s strength has to do with their energy. “Recently we have been a very second-half team as we never give up and show constant effort,” Bellamy said.

Sophomore Hailey Goldberg was called up to the varsity team this season after playing on JV. The JV “team’s win against Seneca Valley has been my favorite memory from this season,” Goldberg said.

Despite being new to the team Goldberg is confident she can help the team succeed. She plans on contributing to the team by “being a supportive and uplifting teammate,” Goldberg said.

Bellamy is hopeful that she can also support the team’s already strong spirit. “I hope to contribute by boosting morale and locking in before, during, and after games,” Bellamy said.

Similarly, Matthews also plans to help guide and support players’ mentalities. She focuses on “encouraging [her] team why [they] play basketball and encouraging them to push themselves and work hard,” Matthews said.
While the team does have spirit behind it, players acknowledge that there are areas that can be addressed before entering the postseason. “Sometimes we are slow at starting games. We are more of a late-start team,” Matthews said.

Goldberg’s main critique is more related to the technical aspects of the team’s game. “I would say we need stronger and better passes,” Goldberg said.

Bellamy’s critique points in the direction of factors that are more difficult to address. “A weakness we all share is physical and mental tiredness from the long season and school. All of the snow days means less practices and more back-to-back games,” Bellamy said.

As the playoffs get closer, Bellamy said that this team is capable of making school history. “Despite all the ups and downs this season, I can see us being the first to win regionals in the history of Wootton girls’ basketball,” Bellamy said.

While playoffs and team records often determine how successful a team is ultimately, there are other components that help players feel a sense of fulfillment. Matthews’ favorite moment from the season was their “team sleepover. It was really special because it was something we have never done before. We all went to practice the next day,” she said.