By Havana Austin

As fall sports come to an end, winter sports have already been preparing for their season. The McDowell Girls Basketball team has been doing everything they can to assemble a winning season. 

Last year the team lost two senior starters, Jessica Hetz, who is now playing at Point Park University, and Alexa Pawlak. 

Although losing only two starters doesn’t seem like a lot, it did take a hit on the team.

“Everyone had such a strong connection on and off the court with them. They were basically family,” says senior Frankie Russo. “All we can do to make up for them is work hard, I think we have a very strong team this year.” 

This year the team has an athletic line up with six seniors, six juniors, and two freshmen. The team is led by head coach Bethany Crider and assistant coach Lillian Young. 

To prepare for this season Russo says coach Crider “has us in different team camps and tournaments to get us a feel for some of the teams we could see in play-offs.”

The girls have also been putting a lot of focus on their goals for the season by putting in a lot of work on the court, at practice and in the weight room.

“The four C’s are guidelines that we have been following; communications, control, compete and celebration,” says Russo. The team is really trying to concentrate on these goals and work on improving the team. “I feel that we can be a very strong and successful team when we come together and play as one,” she says. 

The Trojans opened their season against Western Reserve Academy on Dec.5. Although it was an exciting game, the girls ended with a loss of 46-54. 

The team was led in points by Junior Kaylee Bithell with a whooping 18 baskets and followed by senior Frankie Russo with four 3-pointers.

Despite the game not ending how the team would have wanted, the girls are looking on to bigger things this season. 

“Prep is for sure one of our biggest opponents. When getting to play them, I know I’m walking into an aggressive and competitive game,” Russo says. 

Last year the girls lost to Cathedral Prep, 23-64 and 33-47, but this year they look to get their revenge.

“We have gotten close, but have never been able to grasp a win. Beating them is a big goal of the team this year,” says Russo.

The Trojans will go head-to-head with the Ramblers first at home on Jan. 8 and then away on Feb. 5.