The Millard West girls’ basketball team wrapped up another remarkable season last week, led by senior Kylee Paben. In the semifinal matchup, Millard West faced Lincoln North Star, where they were defeated 31-46 on Friday, March 6. Their postseason run included another trip to the Pinnacle Bank Arena for state quarter finals, where they defeated Omaha Westside 57-45.
“Everyone really didn’t think we had a chance,” assistant coach Savannah Stafford said. “Coming out with a win was absolutely thrilling.”
Before their showing at state, the Wildcats secured their district title with a close victory 49-43 over the Monarchs.
Along the way, several freshmen gained valuable experience playing on the varsity team during high-pressure postseason games. Freshman Grace Lucero-Minor said she appreciated the support from her coaches and teammates.
“Being a freshman I was very nervous during the district game,” Lucero-Minor said. “Though my teammates and coaches definitely helped me calm down.”
Freshman Charlotte Hoffman also commented on the experience of playing in her first high school district championship.
“Playing at districts was an amazing experience,” Hoffman said. “Being in the atmosphere of Millard West and just feeling the excitement was surreal. Winning the game against Papillon La-Vista was the cherry on top and I was so proud of the team.”
As the freshmen made this transition from middle school basketball to the top of high school basketball worries and doubts came. Lucero-Minor commented on some of the worries she had, especially before state as a starter.
“I tend to get in my head a lot especially because I am younger. It seems like everyone else is physically more dominant than me and I worry about that,” Lucero-Minor said. “Though I definitely think my teammates and coaches helped me overcome that, so I could focus on my own space.”
Lucero-Minor definitely overcame these worries in state with leading points as a freshman dominating the court.
With young players already gaining experience at the varsity level and contributing during the postseason, girls basketball team is building on this year for the next season ahead.
