By Araceli Galarza and Austin Lloyd Posted December 21, 2018
Basketball season has started, and the varsity Lady Bucks are getting right to it.
This year has brought a lot of changes; one of them is a new coach. Lowry has brought in Melanie Thurmond to coach the girls with her husband, Dwayne Thurmond, as an assistant. They are working the girls hard in practice.
“To better our defense, she shows us where to be on the floor, how to play as a team, and how to be strong,” said Emily Backus.
Backus is the first freshman to make varsity in a while; the last freshman to make the team was Payton Naveran in 2012. As a freshman, you’d think Backus would feel a little out of place, but she claims to feel right at home.
“I felt a little intimidated at first, but my team has helped me learn the ropes. I feel like I have gotten better at handling the ball and being confident when I shoot since being on varsity,” said Backus.
The team is working hard to improve.
“Our main focus is our defense and being able to perfect our full-court man-to-man defense press and half-court defense. This will improve our game tremendously,” said Adia Bengochea.
The team is also working on a new offense.
“We got comfortable with our offense, and we shot the lights out. We played a steady game,” said Adia Bengochea.
“During practice, Melanie has us working hard on some new offensive plays as well as some new defense,” said Lily Pasquale.
On Friday, December 14, the Lady Bucks beat North Valleys 52-7. On Saturday, December 15, Lowry beat Truckee 50-42.
Their next games are Friday, December 21, against Elko and Saturday, December 22, against Spring Creek.
The players have been working well together as a team, and that shows on the court.
“We came together really well, our teamwork is off the charts,” said Adia Bengochea.
Coach Thurmond has brought in many new skills that the girls needed in order to become the best players they can be so far. They will only become better with the experience that they earn from playing the rest of this season.
Roster: Rebecca Kuskie, Lily Pasquale, Julisa Garcia, Adia Bengochea, Sydney Connors, Emily Backus, Heather Hall, Rachel Garrison, Carly Capellen, Sierra Maestrejuan, Victoria Tirado.
