Lady Bears press on with young team

Junior+Alayna+Booker+runs+the+offense+for+the+Lady+Bears.+

Mandalyn Lewallen

Junior Alayna Booker runs the offense for the Lady Bears.

LeAnn Rodgers, Writer

The Lady Bear Basketball team is working hard and pulling out some wins this season, despite having a young team after losing several seniors last season. As of now, the team is 3-7 in district and 7-13 overall for the season.

According to head coach Eddie Michalko, he hopes to improve every time his team steps on the floor. He also wants his players to work as a team instead of a group of individuals.

“We have our moments when we look really good but are still too inconsistent,” Michalko said of his young team. “Starting from scratch on the varsity level, I knew we would have our ups and downs but we are definitely going in the right direction.”

Michalko said between quarantines and missed games, it has been a challenge to get everyone on the same page this season.

“Injuries, other obligations and Covid have made this year very challenging this year, being so young,” he said.

Despite the challenges, Michalko said the team is a little older and more experienced than they were at the beginning of the summer. He will keep working with the players on shooting and passing to further develop those skills. So far, he has been impressed with his young players stepping up on and off and the floor.

“No matter who is out for a game, they just step up and work hard,” he said. “Never perfect but great effort. Having the number of victories so far without having my entire team dressed out is truly a great accomplishment.”

The Lady Bears will return to action when they host the Vidor Lady Pirates this Tuesday, Feb. 2 at The Grove.