Since the end of last year’s season, Coach Jeff Menke has kept the basketball ladies hard at work in preparation for this year. The six seniors leading the Crusaders this winter all have enough experience to know what it takes to win, and they played to that knowledge Monday night, defeating Troy 48-25.

With an upperclassman oriented team this season, experience is key. The six seniors on the team this year include Abby Hermann, Madeline Bauer, Helen Wilmes, Emma Siemen, Mikah Bange and Katelyn Isaak. Many of whom have played for three or more years, the seniors have seen how well hard work pays off.

Senior Abby Hermann has played on the varsity level since sophomore year. Three years worth of practice drills, season games and off-season workouts have greatly impacted her and her senior teammates, and they intend to make this bittersweet season their best.

“We are a very fast team and an amazing defensive team. We all have great chemistry and we’ve never had problems which is tremendous on the floor. I believe we are gonna go far this season and it’s only the beginning,” said Hermann.

In the girls’ pre-season MICDS jamboree on November 12, the Crusaders played three games against Principia, MICDS and Park Hill Central. After all the hard work the girls have put in, they were ready for it all to pay off in the season opener against Troy Buchanan High School.

The team travelled to Troy for Monday night’s game. Starters Ella Kasubke, Mikah Bange, Madison Miller, Abby Hermann and Emma Siemen opened the night, while senior Helen Wilmes jumped in the game midway through the first quarter, quickly putting her own four points up on the scoreboard. Depth was clearly a strength for the Crusaders as they headed into halftime leading 27-12. Junior Madison Miller lead in scoring with 14 points– 11 of those in the 3rd quarter alone. The Crusaders held possession with 15 steals and 8 forced turnovers, defeating the Trojans 48-25. Persistence truly paid off for lead scorer Miller.

“Coach Menke pushes us to work hard everyday because he knows how much potential our team has. The seniors push me to go harder at practice and try to make myself better. They’re always cheering me on and making me a better player. They are always looking out for us and making us a team with a closer bond, making us a very strong team,” said Miller.

The hard work and talent this team leaves no question to their first victory of the season. Be sure to come support our Lady Crusaders on Thursday, December 8 against Rosati-Kain for their first home game of the season.