Mr. Olvesen and Ms. D’Orsi put together a group of fourteen girls, planning to triumph in this 2016 basketball season at WMS with teamwork, strength, and determination.

Olvesen believes “the girls have the utmost ability to win this season,and it doesn’t matter if they win or lose as long as fun and confidence is included.”

While some girls are playing with experience and others have never played, the team is strong and “practicing communication” will make them even stronger. Mr. Olvesen also commented the team’s physicality, “we are a tough defensive team, probably one of the best in the league. We keep ourselves in the game with the ferocity our girls play with on the court. At the end of the day winning is second to turning these middle-schoolers into high school basketball players. ”

Olvesen thinks the girls did well in their first game,”it was tough but we can improve with a better mind set.” The pep rally unified and motivated the girls.

After interviewing Gia Dominguez(guard) and Acelyn Goris(forward),after being asked about their positions Dominguez said, “[she is] on offense, she opens for the ball and plays defense.  Goris said that “she makes the baskets.” Both players agreed that they needed better communication.

To the team, teamwork means all having the same focus and mindsets. “Motivation is a huge part of helping the team,” said Ms.D’orsi.

Practicing with warm-ups, lay-ups,foul shots and jump-shots, the team is becoming strong in defense and offense.

When asked what does teamwork mean to them,Imani Richardson and Ranisha Spears responded by saying, “Teamwork is working together , and picking each other up when things are tough.” The team definitely has the potential to win if everyone has the right mindset. ”We improved on communication and defense this season,” said Richardson.

The most recent game was with Avenel Middle School on January 9th.  Although the girls will not be going to the playoffs, D’Orsi said “ It’s always hard to deal with a loss, but seeing the girls come together as a team was more important. In the beginning of the season we had trouble on communication but now you would think that they are a totally different team.”

The coaches gave every team member a superlative, and a pizza party to celebrate their season.  Special Recognition went  to the eighth graders on the team