Shooting. Dribbling. Passing. 

    Every shot, drill, pass, play, rebound, and move brings room for improvement.

    This brings hope for a district and even regional championship.

    After losing to Dixie Heights High School last year in the second round of the 9th Region tournament, the 2022 Highlands High School Girls’ Basketball team is working hard to prepare for their upcoming season. 

    Losing five seniors that were major contributors to the team last year gives the current team motivation to work harder.

    This year there are two seniors, three juniors, and five sophomores throughout all three levels -varsity, junior varsity (JV), and freshmen.- The team is very young, mainly consisting of eighth-graders and freshmen.

    According to Junior Ellie Walz, she is well aware of the challenges that come with having a team that consists of young players.

     “We have a lot of young players, so them getting used to high school speed and how different it is from middle school is a big challenge.”

     Eighth-grader Natalie Hinegardener has set goals for herself for this season and hopes to improve as a player in all aspects. 

     “I think overall being more confident with the ball and knowing everything and executing.”

     With games and scrimmages getting closer, players and coaches are doing all they can to prepare for the games ahead. 

     The girls will have their first scrimmage on November 20 against Pendleton County High School, and the first regular-season game will be on December 2 against Dixie Heights High School. 

     Head Girls Varsity Basketball Coach Jaime Richey knows the work ethic and time that goes into winning a district championship. 

     “We have been practicing five-six days a week, working on individual skills and learning our offensive and defensive principles.”

     Players are also doing weight lifting with Trainer Aaron Letinski two times a week to prepare for their scrimmages and games. 

     For Junior Megan Calme, lifting with Letinski has had many on and off-the-court benefits. 

     “Lifting with Aaron has improved my physical abilities and strengths, making my performance on the court a lot easier.”

     Some big games that many players and fans are looking forward to are Newport Central Catholic  High School (NCC) and Campbell County High School. 

     The team will take on Campbell County on January 8 at home and NCC on January 14 at NCC, respectively.