With the season just starting up, the Grandville Girls Varsity  Basketball team is looking to start off the season on the right foot. Having eight players return, seven of them being seniors, this year’s team will have more experience to guide them through the season.

“This year we have an improved team chemistry, something we haven’t had before,” says senior  Anna Hurley. “A majority of us have been playing together since our elementary days, so there is nothing to get used to. It seems really natural.” Being one of the leaders,  Anna and the team are hoping their cohesiveness on the court will give them an edge over their competition.

Coach Connor Hoke believes one of the strong suits for the team will be their hard work and competitiveness, “I am confident we can play all 12 girls in a game and we will not lose a beat, because I know these girls will compete every time they are on the court.” With a tough schedule ahead in the OK Red Conference, including last year’s number one ranked team East Kentwood, they hope to use this trait for success in the league.

“I feel like we get along really well. Everybody likes hanging out with each other, which transfers onto our performance on the court,” says senior Abby Miars. Although chemistry on the court is very important, getting along off of the court can be a huge advantage as well. With everybody being so close on the team, it provides a little extra motivation to play with and for the team.

Sophomore Maddie Gkekas was one of the new additions to the squad for this season, “I feel really welcomed to the team. I was a little nervous to be one of the youngest on the team, but I got acquainted really well.” The team looks to young players, like Maddie, to work hard and bring a new energy to practice and games.

The team looks to improve on their record of 7-14 from last season with the additions of the younger players and the experience from the eight  returners.