POTOMAC - The Potomac Pioneers girls' basketball team of seven has begun the season with two wins on their home court. They beat the DeSmet Padres by 28 points Feb. 9 followed by a five point win against the Clinton Cougars Feb. 11.
The Potomac team is comprised of fifth through eighth-graders: Lillie Leathers and Ashbeigh Hall represent the fifth grade; Hailey Oien and Tamra Andell are sixth-graders; Shaianne Barnes is a seventh-grader; and Michaela Ailport along with Jennifer Kimmel are the team's eighth-graders.
"We have a wide range of skill levels [this year] from seasoned players to those who have never picked up a basketball before," said Coach Dawn Downs.
There are players on the team who wish to continue playing basketball in high school and college while others are hoping to learn a new sport and have fun doing it. The challenge for the coaches is to keep it fun for those players who are just starting, yet motivate and encourage the experienced players. Above all they feel like they need to give them all a solid foundation in the sport.
Coach Downs and Coach Lyndi Oien feel it is their responsibility to help the team achieve their personal goals as well as keep fun in the mix of practices and games.
The team goals of respecting coaches, players and referees top the list and are followed by hearing instruction and being wise. The final team goal is to have fun.
In the game against DeSmet, Ailport scored 20 points, Barnes scored 16 points, Oien scored 8 and Hall scored 2. Clinton game scorers included Ailport and Oien each with 6 points, Kimmel scored 4 points and Barnes added 2 points.
"It promises to be an exciting season," said Coach Downs.
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