Lakeview girls basketball is gearing up for a promising season, aiming to build on their first winning record in a decade. Under the leadership of new head coach Aaron Whalen, the Wildcats are set to take the court with determination and a fresh outlook.
During a practice session last Thursday, sophomore Olivia Orr showcased her skills, dribbling along the baseline as her teammates prepared for the upcoming challenges. The Wildcats faced significant changes in recent years, having transitioned through two head coaches since the 2021-2022 season. Yet, their ability to adapt has proven to be a key strength.
New Leadership and a Small Roster
Whalen, who has previously coached tournament-level teams, is stepping into his first K-12 coaching role. He noted that the team, although small in numbers, is eager to work hard and develop their chemistry on the court. “Our numbers are small, but they work really hard,” he stated. “They’re very eager to keep working and just play as a team.”
With only one senior, Katelyn Buchner, on the roster, the Wildcats are looking to cultivate teamwork and resilience this season. Buchner expressed optimism about the team’s growth, saying, “Once we start fully understanding each other on the court, we’re going to get to a point where we’re going to be good defenders and we’re going to be very good on offense, too.”
Whalen’s decision to coach at Lakeview stemmed from a personal choice to remain close to his family. “When the opportunity came up, what really did it for me was that my daughter decided she wasn’t going to play her senior year,” he explained. “So when she wasn’t going to play, there was an opening here and I thought to throw my hat in for it.”
Building on Last Year’s Success
Last season, the Wildcats concluded with a record of 13-11, marking a significant milestone as their first winning season since 2012. They finished fourth in the Central State Activities Association (CSAA) White conference. Buchner attributed much of their previous success to strong ball handling and teamwork, which they hope to replicate this year.
Returning starters include Buchner and junior Madison Bristol, who bring valuable experience to the court. While the roster may be small, Whalen believes the returning players can leverage their experiences against opponents. “We’ll kind of have that little advantage of where we can show the people who haven’t been on the team before what they can expect,” Buchner noted.
Whalen emphasized the importance of fostering a supportive environment where players can thrive. “It’s about their experience, not mine,” he stated. “We’re trying to make a big deal about every little thing.” His focus on creating a positive team culture has been met with enthusiasm from the players, who are eager to learn and improve.
Buchner, in her fourth year at the varsity level, is also stepping into a leadership role. “I’ve always been kind of on the shy side,” she admitted, “but taking part and actually being a captain is just helping me to develop more.” Whalen recognized her natural leadership qualities, noting that the team respects her and her fellow players.
As the Wildcats embark on the 2023-2024 season, they are excited about the potential for growth and improvement. “I think they can expect a lot of changes from last season, but still a lot of exciting new things,” Buchner said. Whalen echoed her sentiments, stating, “You can expect us to compete every week and progressively see us gel well together.”
With their sights set on continuous improvement, the Lakeview Wildcats are ready to embrace the challenges ahead. As they take to the court, both players and coaches are committed to making this season one to remember.
