On both sides of the ball, team chemistry is driving a stellar start to the year for the Cardinals girls basketball team.
When the Cardinals are at their best defensively, they communicate and use their speed to switch relentlessly, tiring out opponents.
When they are at their best offensively, they move the ball, sparking possessions where everyone on the floor touches the ball before it swishes through the hoop.
The chemistry was on display Friday night as the team cruised past Paola with a 55-34 win.
“I think one thing that’s special about our team is our bond,” senior Ally Rietcheck said. “And I think when we get down in terms of points, we don’t get on to one another. We stay really connected.”
That chemistry has been key for the Cardinals, who jumped to 14-1 with the win.
“I think just moving the ball helped us a lot,” sophomore Brynn Deterding said. “I mean, obviously everyone was hitting shots this game, so that helps a lot. But I think just moving the ball and getting each other one more pass really creates good momentum for our team.”
Deterding said the team does a good job of holding each other accountable and keeping a positive mindset to help each other improve.
Head coach Brandon Parker said despite being a team that regularly features a young cast of players, the leadership shown by the seniors and the maturity shown by the underclassmen have helped make the season special.
On Friday, two sophomores and a freshman led the Cardinals in scoring.
“I think their chemistry has been really good considering we have so many young kids,” Parker said. “But that’s a testament to our seniors, because they’ve allowed that chemistry to work, and they’ve been really accepting and nurturing for the younger players. I think it’s helping us continue to grow as a basketball team.”
After the Cardinals opened Friday’s game a little flat, some clutch shots from junior Avery Warren and freshman Avah Dye propelled them to a lead after the first quarter.
By the time the second half rolled around, the Cardinals ratcheted up their defensive intensity and rolled to the win.
Rietcheck said it is helpful to have a large group of players who can chip in and provide a spark.
“That’s just, like, a big momentum to get the crowd back engaged,” Rietcheck said. “And having a home-court advantage and the crowd just being engaged really helps us get our energy back up and really push the ball and get that big lead.”
As the postseason approaches and the Cardinals look to make a deep run, Parker said continuing to build on their strengths as a team will be key.
But even with the strong start, Parker said the team still has much to improve to be at its best for the playoffs.
“I’m going to nitpick a lot of things,” Parker said. “We need to limit our turnovers a bit more. We’ve got some unforced turnovers that are our own doing that we need to do a little bit better job taking care of that ball, especially when we get into postseason play.”
Reach reporter Cuyler Dunn at [email protected]
