On Feb. 27, the Emerson Varsity Girls Basketball Team competed in the State Regional Finals for the first time in school history. The play-off games were held at Lewisville High School where our Lady Mavericks faced a tough matchup against Walnut Grove. Ultimately, with a score of 43-32, the team did not advance to the state finals, but they held their heads high as they came home having made their mark.
Since the start of this school year, the Girls’ Basketball Team has been rigorously preparing to get to this position. Emerson was one of eight schools to compete in this round of the intense competition. With guidance from their coach, Jack Perkins, the team achieved accomplishments greater than ever before.
“I’ve been here for four years with the program, and this level of success early is incredibly rare. It was built on the foundation of the senior class, and it made it special for the seniors who have been here all four years,” Perkins said. “We didn’t just find success this season, it’s been built over time.”
Throughout the team’s journey this season, the players have received support from friends, family and coaches. However, some of their most dedicated supporters were the students who attended early morning practices and worked behind the scenes: the team managers. Manager, Peyton Miraglia, 12, has been with the program since her freshman year and is a first-hand witness to their growth.
“Even though we didn’t advance, the team making it this far is a huge accomplishment,” Miraglia said. “It’s a testament to our hard work.”
Although the season has come to an end, the team is already looking ahead. Their main focus is building momentum as they gear up for the following season, but this time with more determination to build on this year’s success.
“Once spring break hits, we start preparing for the next season,” Perkins said. “With our seniors leaving, and many new freshmen coming in, we’re trying to figure out how we can build the team for success going into the next year.”
Despite their season ending before the state finals, the Lady Mavericks have achieved accomplishments like never before in the school’s history. With a strong foundation already in place, the team is more than ready to tackle whatever challenges come their way this upcoming season.
