This team looks a little different than it did in the past.
But despite losing a handful of players to graduation last year, the Silver Lake girls’ basketball team lives on. And Lakers head coach Bob Morgan notes his team has a little bit of everything this year.
“I think our biggest strength this year will be our speed and our balance throughout the roster,” he said. “We are not big so our ability to up-tempo and play strong defense will be crucial to any success we hope to achieve.”
On the younger side for a varsity team, the Lakers return just four varsity players, two of whom are seniors. Madi Gillen, a senior captain, worked her way into a starting role last season and Morgan said she has worked hard in the offseason. Senior Olivia Macomber missed all of last season with an injury and her return is critical for this young Lakers squad.
Juniors Sydney Kehoe and Alyssa Nelson are also varsity returners. And Morgan said the two gained valuable experience throughout that year which should serve them well this year.
Senior Emily Critch, who was not on the team the past two seasons returns to the team. And her classmate Nina Whidden, who played well on JV last season, will likely see big minutes for the Lakers this season.
Morgan also said juniors Emily Hapgood, Annabelle Boudreau, Alex Bachelder and Brenna Welch, who are first-year varsity players, worked hard in the offseason to make it onto the team.
As far as younger players, Stephanie Bennett, a sophomore who had a strong year on JV last year, will be a key asset in the paint. And Morgan said he likes what he sees in freshman Holly Reeder-Morning.
“She comes to us with tremendous amount of potential and we are looking forward to her being a very important part of our growth and success,” he said.
Through the first week of the season, Morgan has been happy with his team’s attitude and work ethic.
“To this point nothing has surprised me more than these girls’ willingness to do whatever it takes for each other and for the team to be successful,” he said. “Their energy and enthusiasm has been top notch in trying to prepare for the season.“
There are really no games in our schedule that are more important than others,” Morgan said. “Being such a young team We will do our best to try and get off to a good start and hopefully gain some confidence as we go along.”
The Lakers open their season at home on Friday, Dec. 9, against Plymouth South at 5 p.m..