Season had eight wins, many lessons to take home as calendar shifts to spring

The Oriole girls basketball season is over now, but that isn't to say it was without all value.

Coming away with a total of eight wins this year, the Oriole girls ultimately fell to Elk Mound The eight-win season started this past November, following a volleyball season which saw many of the same players fight their way to the regional and then sectional championship, before falling at Amherst to bring play to an end and swiftly shift to basketball over the winter.

As to the outcome in the latter sport, the most recent and eighth win came against Viroqua, which the Oriole girls bested by some 34 points, coming out to a final score of 64 – 30 in Stan – ley-Boyd's favor. As to the game against Elk Mound, the final score fo 48 – 41 didn't tell the full story.

In the first place, there was the impressive performance by Teagan Becker, with a total of four 3-pointers, one 2-pointer and six free throws. Following Licht in performance against Elk Mound was Mallory Eslinger, with one 3-pointer, one 2-pointer, and one free throw. Lily Hoel scored two free throws and a 2-point –

ers while Emme Felmlee, Kayte Licht, and Les lie Derks each did their part. But limiting contributions to those on the basketball court would not be complet in terms of support, for the bench played a role as well.

Cheering when there was reason to cheer, showing frustration when a call didn't go how it seemingly should, helping relieve winded players as they came off the court to take a rest—all these things played a role in the Oriole girls varsity and its performance this year. But if basketball came from volleyball before it, one thing is certain, as certain as spring. Track will soon take basketball's place for this present year, and with it, will come new challenges to surmount, if only team spirit can rise to the same level in an coming sports.

Lauren Potaczek raises her hands in frustration from the sidelines as the ball gets away from both teams at Elk Mound recnently. The Orioles ended their season this past week as the soon to come track season still looms ahead. Photo by Joseph Back.