Lakeview High School’s girls basketball team is gearing up for an exciting season, looking to build on their first winning record in a decade. Under the leadership of new head coach Aaron Whalen, the Wildcats aim to improve upon last year’s overall record of 13-11 and their fourth-place finish in the Central State Activities Association (CSAA) White conference.
New Leadership, New Opportunities
Transitioning to a new head coach can pose challenges, but the Wildcats are embracing the change. Whalen, who has a wealth of experience coaching at tournament levels, including teams in Grand Rapids, is stepping into his first role at the high school level. He emphasizes a player-centric approach, stating, “This is about their experience, not mine.”
The team is small, featuring only one senior, Katelyn Buchner, and a handful of returning players. Despite the limited numbers, Whalen is impressed with their work ethic and commitment. “They’re eager to keep working and just play as a team,” he noted. Buchner echoed this sentiment, expressing optimism about the season’s potential as the team continues to adapt to Whalen’s coaching style.
“I feel like we’re definitely still getting used to each other a little bit,” Buchner said, highlighting the importance of understanding one another on the court. “Once we fully understand each other, we’re going to be good defenders and very effective on offense.”
Building on Last Year’s Success
The Wildcats’ success last season can be attributed to their strong physical skills, particularly in ball handling. Buchner emphasized that this aspect was crucial in their ability to carry the ball down the court. With two starters returning, including Buchner and junior Madison Bristol, the Wildcats hope to leverage their experience to guide newer teammates.
“We’ll have an advantage knowing the opponents we’re up against,” Buchner explained. “We can show newcomers what to expect.” Whalen remains confident in the team’s ability to develop as the season progresses, stating, “It will take a couple of games to get back into the swing of things, but the kids want to win and play hard.”
As the only senior, Buchner is stepping into a leadership role, aiming to enhance her communication skills while fostering team cohesion. “Being a captain this season is helping me develop more,” she said. Whalen praised her natural leadership qualities, noting the respect she commands among her teammates.
The Wildcats are set to approach the season with high expectations, looking to compete vigorously in each game. Whalen expressed excitement about the team’s potential, stating, “You can expect us to compete every week and progressively see us gel together.”
Buchner added, “Our defense will grow tremendously as we continue throughout the season. I think it’s going to be a good season and fun to watch.” With their first two games already in the books, the team is eager to show their growth and improvement in the coming months.
As the Wildcats prepare for their upcoming matches, the focus remains on building a positive team culture and enhancing their skills on the court. “We want to have fun, but we also want to compete,” Whalen concluded, setting the tone for a promising season ahead.
