WOODBURY— This season didn’t start with high expectations for the Nonnewaug High school girls basketball team. After finishing last year’s season with a total of three wins and a returning roster of all underclassmen, many sports reporters and fans were unsure of how the team would perform this year.
Although people had their doubts, this only fueled a fire in the players and motivated them to work harder during offseason and practices throughout the season.
“In the beginning of the season we were determined to take down every team we played,” said sophomore, Chloe Whipple. “We wanted to prove that we weren’t the worst and that we were better than what they said we were.”
In addition to that, JV coach, Zachary Maisto said, “In the beginning of the season, we were projected to come in last. Coach and I didn’t know what to expect from this team, but as the season went on, we saw everyone grow better and better each day.”
Because of this determination, the team has accomplished big things: having a record of 14-7, being ranked third in the Berkshire league, and finally making it to states.
All of these accomplishments couldn’t have happened without their first two league games.
On December 16, the Chiefs played Housatonic in their first league game of the season. This was one of their most important moments because it helped set the tone for what was to come. The Chiefs played an intense game and came out with a 53-42 win.
“I think our season went really well for such a young team,” said freshman, Sadie Nichols. “I think we exceeded everyone’s expectations especially in our first game against Housatonic.”
Only a few days later, on December 20th, the young squad played another competitive matchup against Gilbert. Gilbert held a lead for most of the game until the Chiefs fought back eventually winning in overtime 64-57.
However, this season wasn’t without challenges. Later in the season, the girls had a suffering loss to Lakeview 46-28.
But again, the girls didn’t accept defeat. They worked harder individually and as a team.
“There is no ‘I’ in team,” said freshman Olivia Penrosa. “This season we really put emphasis on that, and I think even though we had three tough losses to Lakeview, we worked together and that’s really important.”
Another key part to this season’s success was the impact of the freshmen. Starters Sadie Nichols and Jayda Gladding stepped up to their roles and executed them perfectly. Whether it was Gladding bringing the ball up against pressure or Nichols grabbing tough rebounds they provided energy and confidence for their team.
Along with the starters, the rest of the roster stepped up when it mattered most.
Gia Savarese was someone the team depended on to bring up the ball and have serve her role on defense.
This season, the entirety of the team stepped up and proved everyone wrong regardless of how young they were. Their season may be over, but the impact this team made will last longer than the final buzzer.
