While the season records for the Lady Flucos varsity and JV basketball teams were not as strong as they would’ve liked, many players described it as a great year marked by growth and relationship-building.

“This season really sparked something as the team bonded and made games close. We figured that the season was an overall win,” said varsity player Sydney Gentry.

Despite the tough records– 2-19 for varsity and 1-14 for JV– several players said they believed that many games were within reach, but slipped away as fatigue set in. Some expressed that they tried to keep their heads up and continue to play well on the court, not letting their record define them.

“We were on a three-game losing streak before we played Monticello away, and pulled out the victory,” said JV Guard Cheyanne Short.

The varsity team was coached by Josh McElheny, with Assistant Coaches Nick Ward and Carly Brown. JV was led by Head Coach Ali Fields and Assistant Coach Shannon Opie. Coach Ward credited varsity senior Lexie Ward as a key leader this season.

“She was essential this year with communication with such a young varsity roster,” Ward stated.

As of Feb. 13, the season has officially wrapped up, but the team has no plans of slowing down and will continue to practice in the off-season to be ready for next year. Competing against district teams like Charlottesville High School and Western Albemarle High School gave the Lady Flucos clear goals for growth. One of those goals was to help younger players adjust to the pace and intensity of varsity-level basketball, a key need with several seniors graduating this year.

Another team goal was to build relationships, so the coaches made a special effort to set up team activities.“The most memorable moment of the season was when the team went sledding. It helped them bond on and off the court,” said Gentry.