Troy Athens High School

The JV B girls basketball team found a Saturday morning make up game to fall right in the middle of a lot of plans for soccer and volleyball tournaments and some family trips, which resulted in a line up of six players. Maddie Odgers, Bri Esper, Sienna Brown, and Toni Rose Valentino volunteered to get up early and make use of the “five-quarter rule” to fill some spots before playing in their own JV A game that followed. The combined team competed well in a back and forth first half, which saw Athens up at the end of the first quarter 6 to 4 and down at the end of the second 15 to 13. A decisive third quarter put the Lady Redhawks down 32 – 23, and that margin remained for a 40 – 31 loss. Coach Ken Gleason was disappointed in the outcome of the game but wanted to be clear why. “The six players that were able to make the game comprise our most dependable core. We’ve had a little over 30 practices for the season; as a group, they have missed nine. They have made 180 and something practices and missed nine. Sarah (Kesto) and Vivian (Luo) were out injured in stretches and still attended practices and supported the team from the bench at games. Some players you have to motivate with playing time, and I get that, but this group just does what they do because they know it’s the best way to play the game. They are as dedicated and dependable as they come, and I just wish they had got the win because it would have been a good end to the story.” The Lady Redhawks got remarkable contributions from every player. Arianna Saracevic led with 8 points, Toni Rose had 6, Sienna and Maddie had 4 each, Mallory Colussi and Sarah had 3 each, Carmen Cavataio had 2, and Emily Cousino 1. The players didn’t make any excuses. “Very hard fought,” said Sarah. “We all tried our best, it just didn’t come in the outcome. We wanted it.” “Their zone offense threw us off a bit, “ Emily admitted. Coach Gleason put the game in perspective. “It’s important to note that Southfield A and T only played seven players, so it was a fairly level playing field. There’s a significant difference between six and seven, but it’s close. They were used to playing seven, and they were better prepared. They got the win, but I think we learned more.” The season comes down to five more practices and five games. When asked about the goals for what remains, Vivian said her teammates and having good time with them always come first, but “maybe improving a bit in basketball, too.” Emily agreed, “I think our whole team can still play better, and I hope we finish strong.” Carmen agreed with the goal of improvement and added, “I’m looking forward to more wins.”