The Orono girls basketball team has put time and effort into their off-season training to rebound from last year’s performance.

The Orono girls basketball team had their work cut out for them last season as 4 (out of 6) senior season ended within the first weeks of playing. “[It was] a challenge we had to overcome,” said sophomore Sydney Reiners. Reiners was a freshman on the varsity team last year and one of the many, young returning players this season.

The team is looking “athletic, fast, and committed,” said head coach Ellen Wiese. This season Weise plans to stay optimistic since the team has put in a lot of work this offseason. With no senior guidance this season, Weise turns to her juniors for guidance and strong leaders this season. “I plan to be a fun but serious captain. Someone they can go to as a friend and leader,” said junior captain Shelby Earley.

The other captains for the team this year are are junior guards Lauren DeLay, Maddie Singleton, and junior team manager Lucy Ten Eyck.

For the rest of the team, no seniors is no problem. “I think we will be fine. The juniors are a strong guidance and we act like a team, plus we know each other really well. It’s almost the exact same team as last season,” said sophomore Rachel Heussner, another returning player.

Preparing for this season the team has put in hours of work in over the summer and fall seasons. “We had speed and strength three days a week in the morning. Then on the other days we had open gyms in the morning and worked with three different trainers during a few open gyms. Plus we started fall league and captains practice,” said Earley.

Speed and Strength is an exercise program ran by Body Squad Boot Camp and is led by Angie Weber. The team focused on improving knee strength for this season. “It helps with our endurance and overall strength. We look more fit and in shape,” said Singleton.

Other teammates feel the same way as they hope to out hustle and work the other team since they will be such a short and small team this season. “[Before] we were scrawny little scared people, now we are able to hold our own ground out there,” said sophomore Natalie Larkin, another one of OGB’s returning sophomores.

Through off-season work the Orono Girls Basketball team is ready for this season and show their improvement from the past.

Madi Arends is the Layout Editor for The Spartan Speaks.
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