Squeakkk! Audiences watch as the ball moves up and down the courts as players try and score goals against their opposition. Freshmen rarely join the varsity girls basketball team; however, this year, two have made the team. 

Observing how newer and older players compete and practice allows the coaches to find resemblances between the skills and techniques of the players. However, from the perspective of new players on the team, watching older players allows them to find similarities and differences between each other and grow from their observations.

“I shadow them and so I see,” freshman Audra Wilke said. “If they’re playing,  I’ll watch them so when I go in, that’s how I can play.”

Wilke had begun playing travel basketball beginning when she was in fifth grade with the intention to have the chance to play high school basketball, which allowed her to gain the ball handling and shooting skills needed for her to be one of the freshmen selected to be on the varsity team.

“I am a very hard working athlete and love to compete,” Wilke said “I think this stood out [during tryouts] because not backing down from a challenge is an important part of being an athlete.”

According to Max Preps  freshman Audra Wilke and Lauren Geboy have played an average of two minutes over six games this season and have not scored. While older players Alex Wilson and Amelia Hilton have scored 24 points in total during 12 games this season with about 14 minutes of playing time .

“When you’re a freshman on varsity, you’re playing potentially against 18 and 19-year-old grown women,” Coach Josh Regan said. “And the age, size and strength difference is huge.

The CHS varsity girls team won 17 out of 25 during the 24-25 season while they have won 12 out of 16 games as of Jan. 20. Based on gameplay during the last year’s season, coach Josh Regan hopes to have more success. To help strengthen their weaknesses, the captains of the team, In addition to the coach, give advice in order to allow players to grow in areas where they are struggling.

“The freshmen are challenged with the level they are playing at,” team captain and senior Alex Wilson said. “But, we continue to help them improve their skills by correcting them when needed.”