By Isabella Gecaj – Staff Reporter

The Law girls basketball team has started its season and is off to a great start.

The team started its season in December, paused for two week due to COVID, and then returned to practice on January 7.

“The team has worked very hard and has improved each day,” head coach Mr. Young said.

Their COVID break did not stop them from progressing and working hard. The team has set high goals for themselves and will work to keep them within their reach.

“One of our main goals this season is to finish top in our division, which no Laws girls basketball team has ever done,” junior captain Sabrina Lawless said. “It won’t be easy to do, but I know Coach Young and all the girls know we are capable of doing it.”

As of January 12, Law is 3-1. They have beaten Lyman Hall 43-34, Bunnell 55-18, and Foran 42-36, and lost to Mercy 62-45. 

They are motivated and determined to achieve their goals and make the best of their season.

“If we put in the work, we know we have to put in, in practice and going 110% in every game,” Lawless said. 

All of the captains are confident in their team’s ability to win.

“I believe the season will go well and we will end with a winning record because of everyone trying their best and wanting to win,” senior captain Mariyah Reid said.

While winning is a main focus, it is not the only focus. 

“This season I’m looking forward to being able to play the game I love with my teammates and getting the chance to prove who the law girls are,” senior captain Shelby Green said.

But success does not come easily, and the team has spoken of their challenges throughout the season thus far.

“Last year there were many restrictions on our practices in terms of how long, how many people, and what we could do because of COVID,” Young said. “This year there are less restrictions”

Compared to last year, players said this season feels more “normal” and they are excited to be back in the gym together.

“I want the team to be happy that we get to be back in the gym this year and not take any of it for granted,” senior captain Jenna Wasserman said. “We are a good and tough team that can beat any team as long as we believe in ourselves, work hard, and have fun.”

For those new to the team, a COVID-19 basketball season is all they know.

“I mean all I know is basketball during COVID time,” sophomore Chloe Haasch said. “The only difference from this year, from last year is that we have locker rooms and we actually get to play a full schedule, which I am super excited about.”

Many others on the team lack the experience of a normal season.

“I am praying that we will be able to continue to play through COVID and not have to take any more breaks,” Lawless said. “I have yet to have a full basketball season in all my years playing for Law and I really just want to be able to play.”

With the help of their captains and coach, there are several new players who will look to make an impact this season. 

“New players are great, it’s great to have more people who share the love of the game,” Green said. “And as a senior I remember being a freshman, having that nervous feeling and the seniors helping you feel happy.” 

While the season has just started, the team is positive on how it will end.

“We always have high expectations but take one practice and game at a time,” Young said. “Our goal is to keep improving and be at our best come tournament time.”

This year, the girls have big plans in mind.

“This season, one of our biggest goals is to win our division this year, as well as doing well in SCCs and States,” Wasserman said.

One of the major reason for the team’s optimism is its belief in one another.

“I want the team to know that we are capable of doing anything we put our minds to and to not underestimate ourselves,” Reid said. “Every year teams believe that we are gonna have a losing streak and they will automatically win and we prove them wrong. I know we can do it as long as we believe and continue to work hard.”

Some disagree with the saying ‘Confidence is key,’ but the Jonathan Law Girls team are proof of its truth, along with ‘Hard work pays off.’

The Jonathan Law girls basketball team is beyond ready to make this season theirs.

“I am excited to be able to play the sport that I love with great teammates and coaches,” Wasserman said. “I’m eager to have a fun and successful rest of the season and show everyone the team that we are.”

Green agreed.

“This year we should all be grateful to be in the gym and I want the girls to know we are all here for a reason,” Green said. “To win, have fun and lastly, defense wins championships.”