Due to the memorable blizzard last month and consequential snow days, two girls basketball games were postponed. While the snow and week off from school caused much chaos, it wound up giving the girls basketball team an advantage; the girls were given the chance to take a break from playing and injured players were able to recover in time for the end of the season and playoffs.

On Feb. 21, it was made official that the team would play Northwest on Feb. 26 for their first playoff game. Instead of a desired win against Jaguars, the Wildcats fell 51-64.

“I am so proud of what the team has accomplished this year,” said senior co-captain Kat Gratton. “Even though the game [against Northwest] didn’t turn out in our favor, we played so hard and fought all the way to the end.”

At the beginning of the season, the team started to prepare for the playoffs and since then, senior co-captain Catherine Madden and Gratton worked with new head coach Tori Moten to motivate the team to play to their full potential.

“Before the playoffs began, I just encouraged them by making a motivational CD and said ‘we have nothing to lose,'” said Moten.

This season, the girls had to get accustomed to the new strategies Moten brought to the team. Although this was difficult at first, as the season progressed the new “philosophies” introduced by Moten – such as hard work, personal sacrifice, teamwork and heart – became routine.

“Coach Moten and Carl Travis, our assistant coach, are honestly such a blessing to have,” said Madden. “They put their emotion and effort into everything and that is something we did not have last year. They care so much for all of us and as a result, we do not want to let them down ever. Coach Moten and Travis have definitely changed the WJ girls basketball for the better, into a program and a family, rather than a four-month season.”

Although this season is over, the girls have transformed from last year, coming from a winless season and going to an 8-14 team for this past season. As for next year, the team is only losing three seniors and plans to continue to play hard and move to the next level.

“I think that if everyone plays like they did this year, next year the team will be very successful,” said Madden. “If they play with energy and heart there is nothing they cannot accomplish.”