The girls basketball season came to an end on February 8 in the second round of Sectionals. Though the team had hopes of making it further, the loss did not define their season.
Despite a 6-17 record in the regular season, NC managed to win their first sectional game in three years. On February 4, NC played Warren Central, who they had beaten just four days prior in the last game of the regular season.
The score was 47-38. NC’s victory showed signs that the team is on the path to newfound success in the years to come.
NC didn’t celebrate the win for long. They had to prepare for their face-off against Lawrence Central (LC).
LC was ranked second in the state and 10th in the country prior to the game. They finished the regular season with a 21-1 record.
NC knew they were expected to lose the game and that it would likely be the toughest test of the season.
That did not deter their confidence.
“I’m excited,” senior Gabby Borrus said. “I think we’re going to win. We just got to play together.”
The girls were confident in their preparation for the game.
“I just feel like we’re going to upset them because everybody’s doubting us right now,” junior Nina Whitehead said. “We have a game plan and I think we’re going to stick to it and stay disciplined.”
Understanding that LC’s team is tough, NC made practice tougher, preparing the best they could.
“We have boys coming in and out of our practice,” Whitehead said. “We’ve been guarding them because they are faster and that’s what LC is going to be tonight. We’re going to stop the fast people and win the game.”
A key part to that speed was perfecting their press break, allowing NC to counter LC’s high-pressure defense.
“We’ve been working on our press break a lot, and I think that’s going to work for us tonight,” Burrus said.
Even when faced with a tougher matchup, the team did not stray from a ritual they have done all season long.
“Before every game, we pray,” Whitehead said. “I feel like, now, since we prayed and God has been on our side, whatever happens is in God’s hands. We have to trust him because we brought him to every game. We just need to lean on that right now.”
Head coach Deanne Ramey believed that the sectional matchup was a great opportunity for the team to do something special.
“This is an opportunity to knock off one of the top teams in the state and a lot of teams don’t get that chance,” Ramey said. “We have that opportunity. We have nothing to lose. We’re playing against 4 D1 players and other top-notch players in the state. This is our opportunity to stop them and compete. As long as you compete at your highest ability, you’ll be proud.”
Ramey said that rebounding, breaking the press and stopping LC from scoring in transition was key to winning the game.
The first half of the game was competitive. Both teams were trading baskets and NC’s press was forcing many LC turnovers.
At halftime NC was trailing 18-20. Ramey was happy with what she saw in the first half.
“Certainly proud of the girls,” Ramey said. “They are competing. They’re not backing down. We just got to keep them off the board.”
After a competitive third quarter, LC was up 37-30.
In the fourth quarter, LC dominated. One of LC’s key players, senior Laila Abdurraqib, was a dominant presence, scoring eight points – the most of any player – in the last quarter.
Abdurraqib is committed to play division one basketball at the University of New Mexico.
The final score was 32-53.
Though the team lost, players kept their heads held high, knowing that they gave LC a competitive game.
“We had good energy and we played well,” sophomore Mckenzi Rutland said.
Rutland had a total of eight points against LC. She was the highest scorer in the second quarter with seven points.
They were proud of their effort, though disappointed it didn’t bring the outcome they desired.
“I was proud of how we fought,” Burrus said. “I just wish we had a better outcome.”
Even though the season did not end the way the team wanted it to, the players still had a fun time playing and making memories.
“I feel like this team is very close,” Whitehead said. “We’re all just like best friends.”
Their comradery, though strong, was tested throughout the season.
“The season has been up and down but I think since our schedule has been so hard we came together at the end,” Burrus said.
Despite those difficulties, the team was proud of what they managed to accomplish.
“Winning my first Sectional game against Warren will always be a great memory,” Rutland said.
Burrus, the only senior on the team, reflected on her favorite memory while playing with NC and discussed her plans for the future.
“My favorite moments will always be the varsity retreats,” Burrus said. “Moving forward, I will be playing in college.”
Next year, the team hopes to improve their record. With a handful of young players like Macy Loy and Mckenzi Rutland, there is a chance for improvement.
“I think they have potential to be good,” Burrus said.
The younger girls allow the team to not only develop on the court but to grow as teammates.
“We are young so we are gonna keep improving and I think next season will be fun,” Rutland said.
After a season full of highs and lows, the returning players are working to make next season a better one.