Girls basketball started just a few weeks ago. Of those girls coming back to join the rest of the team this season is junior Ellie Franklin. She is returning for her third season here at Saint Dominic and has worked so incredibly hard. It is her goal to make this season count just as much as every other.

Ellie has been playing basketball for as long as she can remember. It has always been a major part of her life. Ellie noted that this season has already come with so many highs for the team. After all the games that the girls have played already, she recalls that one of her favorite moments was the buzzer beater game against North Point. However, that does not mean that it is all ups and downs every season and game. There have been points during games where the girls were not at their best, or times when losses hit the team hard.

“We stay motivated by trying to keep everything fun. Coach Wilmes always reminds us of our end goal and how we’re always working towards something,” Ellie Franklin said.

Coach Wilmes notes that even in the off season, Ellie had such a strong commitment to her sport and team. Something that sets Ellie off from the team was the fact that she was noted by her coaches for taking every opportunity to go to the open gym nights or be with the team in the weight room.

Ellie is one of the players that helps keep the team close knit. The group is made up of thirteen girls, each with their own individual strengths and weaknesses. On and off the team, Ellie is known for being one of the most hardworking, dedicated, and ambitious girls.

“She brings a whole other level of physicality and toughness to our team. She also brings a huge defensive mindset. Every game she’s challenged with guarding the best player on every team. She’s had a lot of games this year where the girl she’s guarding scores ten to fifteen points less than their average,” Coach Wilmes said.

Although Ellie loves the sport, she came to the hard decision that she does not plan to stay playing basketball in college. She does, however, want to stay in a recreational league to stay active with the sport.

The Girls Basketball’s next game is the 10th at Home. Be sure to come and help cheer on Ellie and the rest of the girls throughout the season!