Wildcats making noise in conference as preparation pays off on hardwood
It was 58-58 with just five seconds left when junior Paige Seckar fed junior Laina Hammen the ball to score a buzzer beater layup, edging Kimberly, 60-58. Not only did this nail biter of a game boost the confidence of the players, but it also helped the Wildcats to their highest ranking in conference since 2013.
“It was an amazing moment,” Hammen said. “It was good to beat such a strong and respectable team on our home court.”
This was one of many close games this season and one the girls will remember. Sophomore Maddie Rasmussen was proud of her teammates and excited with the noise they have made in the conference.
“It was a great momentum booster, and we really proved ourselves in the conference," she said.
Despite the improved record, Coach Kenisha Phillips always looks for more.
“I'm proud of this team for finishing a lot of close games this year, but we have to stay hungry and keep pushing,” she said. “There is no easy game in the FVA.”
Although the team has been consistent in staying hot, they have fought some tough battles. Phillips wants to be a positive influence through struggle and adversity. After games that didn't go the way the team hoped, Phillips takes action.
“After a loss, it is about analyzing what happened and figuring out what the next step forward is to help the team,” she said.
Phillips admires the mental fortitude of her squad.
“Day in and day out they push themselves and their teammates to be better to meet our goals,” she said. “They never stop encouraging each other along the way.”
Rasmussen appreciates the coaching staff’s leadership, both on and off the court.
“These coaches have helped me in so many ways,” she said. “They always have my back and my teammates' backs. They give so much support, especially during my injury.”
Attitude allows the team to transcend mere sports, according to Rasmussen.
“Everyone is so welcoming, and the team is just one big family,” she said.
Junior Braelee Jodarski has been playing since her freshman year.
“Our team atmosphere is really cool because many of us grew up playing together or have been playing together for a few years,” she said. “We all get along really well, and we always have a good time when we are on the court.”
Jodarski believes the squad has found a balance between rigor of preparation and the fruits found during match-ups with conference rivals.
“We push each other at practices and compete every time we play,” Jodarski said. “Winning big games like our Kimberly and Fond du Lac games help us keep our momentum, and that fuels our motivation.”
Losing four seniors and recovering from the pandemic has altered the program. This year’s captain, senior Madalyn Choinski, gets to take on the role of an experienced team leader for her final year of high school, and she has clear goals for her final journey.
“I want us to continue to play as a team, get better as a team, and grow as a team,” Choinski said. “I look forward to making the best out of this year and having a fun senior year to end with.”
While currently holding a tough spot in the conference, the team is all in agreement to keep it there.
“I want to finish in the top of the conference and make a run in the playoffs,” Phillips said. “We will continue to improve in every game and stay together as a team no matter what.”
by Emmy Reichenberger
Published January 30, 2023
Oshkosh West Index Volume 119 Issue 4