Pelicans Take The Court

Winter 2024/25 Edition

By Kinna Freid

The KU Varsity Girls Basketball team is within the top eighteen teams in the state, and throughout the season they will undoubtedly climb to an even higher position. After their recent win against cross-town rival Mazama High School, team captains Farrah Zumwalt and Andi Harmon spoke about this new team of players. When asked about their preseason, both described it as, “a learning experience.” Following the loss of five crucial senior players last season, the team has faced a lot of adversity and pressure from those who told them they lost their whole varsity team. To add to that, they’ve also had to work through a lack of support displayed by their student body when it comes to home game attendance. However, according to the captains, through preseason they discovered the many strengths of their new team. Zumwalt says that despite the many hard teams they’ve faced, such as neighboring Henley, they’ve managed to stick with most of them. Even with a few tough losses, their team has also had some pretty tough wins as a result of their perseverance. What they may not have in experience, they easily make up with their tenacity, work ethic, and team chemistry. When asked about the dynamics of the team, the captains described the ‘24-’25 KU Girls Basketball team as a tight-knit, supportive family. It is clear that this team is on the path to success, and that will surely be reflected in the

results of their season.

Similar to the girls, the KU Boys Varsity Basketball team also had to fill the shoes left by many skilled senior players, and they have truly risen to the occasion. Despite a few preseason losses against difficult teams, they have showcased a fight that allows them to triumph over tough adversaries. A couple of days before the girls’ win against Mazama, the boys opened their conference with a win against Henley High School, the reigning conference champions from last season. Team Captain Malcolm Lassett- Hankins says that they hope to take first or second place in the conference this ‘24-’25 season. In his words, one of the teams’ biggest advantages is that they are, “more cerebral on the court than they were last year,” meaning that they play with a high sports IQ. Much like the girls, the boys also have a thriving, positive team dynamic that allows them to perform extremely well together. Lassett-Hankins says that their team chemistry has grown over the years, and he believes it has resulted in way better playing during the games. One of the biggest disadvantages for this team, however, is their lack of confidence. With many players who are less experienced on the varsity court, it has taken some time for them to get the feel of this new playing field. Fortunately, Lasset-Hankins says, “the new starters are finding their groove,” and as their confidence grows, the team will advance to new heights. He expresses absolute faith in his team, and that faith is not misplaced. Both the KU Boys and Girls basketball teams have showcased tremendous growth and accomplishment that will continue to be displayed as the season progresses.