By Mike Dattilo – Staff Reporter

The girls basketball team is gearing up to make states once again.

Last season, the girls finished with a 10-10 record, qualified for the state tournament, and won an SCC Tournament game against Amity.  

“Our team definitely has the potential to make states again this year,” junior Olivia Keator said. “We still have many strong players and our record will reflect the hard work we put in practice.”

As of January 11, the team is 2-7, with wins coming against Branford and Hillhouse.

This season the team has three captains from three different grade levels: sophomore Samara Thacker, junior Colleen Goodwin, and senior Taylor Haase.

“It has been a good mix with captains from each of the three grades,” head coach Mr. Young said. “It allows all the captains to have a connection with girls from each class.”

Players said the age range between captains helps team chemistry.

“The young leadership helps the younger kids have a voice,” senior Melissa Chodziutko said. “Instead of [the team] just being ruled by seniors, now there are differing opinions from other grades, and it’s been positively impacting our team.”

During the offseason the Lady Lawmen lost many key players to graduation, including Erin Saley, Kailee Frank, Laura Dulin, and Jessica Centore.

“It is a big adjustment,” Young said. “I was lucky to have Jess, Erin, Laura, and Kailee over the past four years. We are completely a new team and finding our identity.”

The departure of seniors from the Class of 2016 has created opportunities for the younger players to gain more minutes on the court.

“We mix in different players into different positions than they have previously played,” senior Lexi Fisk said. “I think it is better for the team because we are all becoming better at every position and learning how to play well with each other.”

So far, the sophomores and juniors look like they are ready to make a difference.

“While we are taking a bit of a hit by losing our seniors from last year, our sophomores and juniors  are stepping up and accepting the challenge,” Chodziutko said.

Both the freshman and junior varsity teams look prepared for this upcoming season.

“The freshmen and junior varsity players are working very hard to become varsity players,” freshman coach Mr. Robinson said.

Law has upcoming home games against North Haven, Sacred Heart Academy, and Cheshire. Their Senior Night is scheduled for February 13 against rival Foran.