The Streetsboro Rockets girls’ basketball team’s season has been a roller coaster filled with ups and downs, but the young Rockets look to make new strides in the 2008-2009 season.
Although the Rockets were disappointed with their 4-17 record, but many of the games seemed closer than they appear. The Rockets lost a large percentage of their games because of one quarter of poor play with numerous turnovers and easy points for the other team.
The lady Rockets managed to compile four total wins coming from Garfield, Windham, Niles McKinley and the 20 point rout of Aurora, which was the Rockets greatest margin of victory. In the long run the Rockets struggled closing out games which led to losses.
“We panicked a lot in a deficit, we rushed shots and passes, which led to points for the other team,” said senior Sarah Novotny.
“I think we lacked experience and that hurt us a little bit,” Novotny added.
“Experience was definitely a factor” Head Coach Stoner said. Stoner also hopes the experience that young players like Kelsey Cianci, Erica Parks and Courtney Strayhan gained this season will help them “learn their weaknesses and become better next year.”
The Rockets have struggled immensely this season, but that has not stopped them from building great bonds as teammates.
“Our team is really close,” said senior leading scorer Kaylene Way. “We have really good chemistry.”
Way like Novotny believed the lack of experience was part of the struggle this season.
“We lacked killer instinct, not too many underclassman played varsity last year” Way said, “You have to know you’re going to win when you step on the floor, and we didn’t always believe that.”
Along with Novotny and Way, senior Cassandra Saunders was disappointed with her senior year, but will always remember her experiences as a Lady Rocket.
“I will miss all the memories, playing with all the girls and being together before games,” Saunders said.
Saunders also added that her highlight of the season was “coming together as a team to beat Garfield.”
Next year the Rockets will be without their three seniors and with their absence, new leaders will be a force to arise.
“I will miss their leadership and hustle most of all” Stoner said.
The Rockets ended their season with a with a loss to Canfield, following their tournament win against Niles McKinley.
Ryan Stainbrook