This past week, the girl’s basketball team had their first game of the season. With a win to kick off the season against Ralston, the coaches along with the players felt that they played well and are excited about the season.
Mr. Blair, has been coaching basketball for over 20 years. This year he’s seen immense improvement with the returning girls on the team, and is pleased with their hard work and efforts.
“Most definitely. Their shooting has definitely gotten better, their court vision as well as understanding and executing the offense,” Blair said.
The girl’s basketball team has also seen growing numbers with more girls coming out to play compared to passed years.
“Last year we started our season with 8 girls. This year we have 16. We have a lot more players with less experience compared to last year as well. I can say that the new girls are working super hard, they’re trusting their coaches which is always important, and they also seem eager to learn. So, I’m excited about this season,” Blair said.
New additions to the Burke team also have had amazing opportunities to play on varsity.
Freshman Janelle Clark has made her way on varsity and is excited about the opportunity she’s been given on the team.
“I’ve been playing basketball since I was in 3rd grade, but I’ve been in club varsity and varsity for the middle school I went to since 7th grade. I was kind of shocked when the coach put me on varsity, because to be honest I thought I was going to get swapped,” Clark said.
Being a new member to the team Janelle had no problem getting to know her teammates and felt comfortable being around them.
“The girls on the team I’ve known them since I was in 3rd grade, we all played club together. The older girls also played with my sister, so it wasn’t hard for me to get comfortable being around them, since I’ve played with them since I was young,” Clark said.
Since the game Janelle had some time to reflect on her performance, she thinks she did well, but there’s always room for improvement.
“I was a little nervous as first, so I feel like I should’ve drove to the ball more, and probably shot more too. As well as but after playing for awhile I realized that I could do it,” Clark said.
Senior LaNasia Wilson is playing year last basketball season for the Burke Bulldogs before graduating.
“I’ve been playing basketball since the age of 7. And this is my 4th year on the varsity team for Burke,” Wilson Said.
LaNasia has always given 100% from the start which never went unnoticed and then gave her a spot on varsity her freshman year.
“It was easy, coming in I was kind of in competition with the other girls on varsity who also played the same position as me, so I always try to be better, or go to her limits,” Wilson said.
LaNasia along with her coaches and the rest of her team, feel like their first game went exactly how they needed it to go.
“I think it went great. It went the way we wanted it to go as a team. For Mr I accomplished my goals that I wanted to make by the end of the game which was, sharing the ball, getting my teammates involved. Compared to last year I think I improved, I have a better IQ I can actually see the court better, and I’m making stronger decisions,” Wilson said.
“As a team, we got the dub, so I think we did great,” Wilson said.
