With just a week out before the season starts, the girls basketball team is focused on getting prepared for what is to come. With a similar line up from last season, the cats are looking forward to accomplishing their goals. 

Last year’s team was young, with only a few graduates, which means they will carry a similar team this year. Players like Gabi Moultrie, Kaia Hix, Finley Blankenship, and Fareeda Elmanhawy, all sophomores last year, will continue their basketball career now as upperclassmen. 

Junior Fareeda Elmanhawy talked about how she feels now playing this season as a junior. She said, “I definitely feel more of a sense of authority, my sister is coming in this year as a freshman and I want to be a good role model to her.” Elmanhawy is excited for her leadership role she is taking on this season. 

The team this year will congratulate 4 graduates, Payton Ratcliffe, Ciana Hockensmith, Audrey Counts, and Jadyn Kipe. All these players have played a large role on the team over the years, and are looking forward to going out on a high note. 

Senior Payton Ratcliffe says, “I am looking forward to getting to spend my last season with my teammates.” She then adds saying, “Over the years we have grown really close and they make the season fun.” Ratcliffe is excited to continue playing with her closest friends for one last year, and is excited to play this season as one unit. 

The team chemistry for the Wildcats has grown over the years, and will contribute to the success on the court. Ratcliffe adds to this saying, “I want us to be able to continue team chemistry off the court, and into the games.” 

Not only does team chemistry grow on the court for the Wildcats, but has also grown off the court, which has impacted the relationships each player has with one another. The team is planning to carry this team chemistry onto the court, and help them chase after the state title. 

The competition for the Wildcats this year has a mix of competitive and less-competitive teams. With a stacked pre-season facing solid 6A and 5A teams such as Caldera, West Linn, and Sherwood, the Wildcats will move into their regular season competing against teams in their league. 

Many teams in the league were older, which means more graduating seniors in the class of 2024. With the Wildcats having almost all returners, the Wildcats may be at an advantage. Elmanhawy comments on this stating, “I think we will do a lot better because our team was young last year, and we still have potential this year.” 

The Wildcats will kick off their season on December 4th, either playing Benson, Astoria, or South Salem. The first few games tend to set the tone for the season, and the Cats plan to do just that. They are eager to get started on their 2024-2025 season. 

The Wildcats are excited for what the team has to offer this season. With a strong returning line-up, good team chemistry and a determined mindset, the Cats are ready to do what they need to do to reach their end goal, a state title.