Before the girl’s varsity basketball game against the BVN Mustangs, seniors Ella Burvee, Tamia Davis, Elise Grosdidier, Josie Grosdidier and Lainie Douglas were recognized for the Huskies’ senior night. According to head coach Chayla Cheadle, this group of seniors has had a big impact on the team so far.
“This season means a lot to me, but I think for the senior group, just how hungry they’ve been, and how much they want to be successful. I think their leadership is just starting to turn around and it’s turning at the right time,” Cheadle said.
According to senior Elise Grosdidier, not only was this a big game due to the rivalry between the Huskies and the Mustangs, but it was also an important game because it was against the 6A reigning state champions.
“It’s a big game because yes, we beat our rivals, but [also] this is a big game for us just to get to the postseason. [This win] means a lot for our team and shows that we can pull it out,” Grosdidier said.
At halftime, the Huskies led the Mustangs 22-14. Senior Laine Douglas said during halftime the team discussed what they needed to do to stay ahead.
“We just needed to lock down their two main players,” Douglas said. “And then at halftime, we knew we were up but we knew they were also a good team so we were like, ‘Keep this energy, keep playing as hard as we can.’ And we obviously did that and it paid off.”
In the last minute of the game, the Huskies led the Mustangs by three points. Douglas locked in the victory over BVN by scoring both free throws in the last 20 seconds of the game, making the final score 45-40.
According to Cheadle, the team needed to possess the ball and stay calm under pressure in order to defeat the Mustangs.
“That last minute felt like forever, but they did a really good job of just taking care of the ball and doing the necessary things to get the win,” Cheadle said. “I was just so proud of how our team handled it and we stayed calm under pressure, which was great, and we just finished it out which is something we needed to do.”
After the game, Grosdidier reflected on this group of seniors and their drive to do well in the postseason.
“We’ve been playing together for so long and we all want it so bad so it’s been so fun to play with each other because the chemistry is there, the love is there and it’s been just a fun ride,” Grosdidier said.
With this win, the Huskies have a record of 14-5. Their next game will be on Tuesday, Feb. 20 against Blue Valley Southwest.
