Leaders step up for Lady Hawks

THOMPSON FALLS – The court was once again busy with shuffling feet as the Lady Hawks took over the high school gymnasium for two-a-day practices last week.

This year there are about 22 kids, a number on par of previous years.

Seniors Logan Beckman and Madison Fitchett have stepped up to the plate in leadership positions and have been doing a great job, Head Coach Sandra Kazmierczak said.

This year the team has eight freshmen, a number bigger than in previous years.

“We have a lot of freshmen,” Coach Kazmierczak said. “That’s the largest number we’ve ever had for freshmen.”

Most of the freshmen have experience from junior high and Coach Kazmierczak said all of them were performing well.

This year the varsity team has seen an increase in kids, with ten total suited up to play. Although this number is a little high for Coach Kazmierczak’s preference, she said all of them deserve it and she could not deny them the opportunity after witnessing their hard work and dedication.

“If I have ten, I’ll have a little tough time putting them on the floor,” Coach Kazmierczak said. “But it’s good for the kids. They really want to be a part of the varsity team, so we’ll take them.”

Along with Beckman and Fitchett, the coach said junior Shey Hannum has filled the role of a leader and has been coming along well.

The ladies have been working hard on getting conditioned, something Coach Kazmierczak said is very important.

Even with all of their work to get back in tiptop shape, the work began long before the practices did. Many of the girls on the team took advantage of open gym on Monday nights. Open gym provided the girls with the opportunity to stay ahead of the game, while in a fun atmosphere.

The goal, like always, is to improve as the weeks go on.

“We’re hoping to keep improving each week,” Coach Kazmierczak said. “That’s what we are trying to do.”

The older players all have established roles already, while the younger ones are still trying to find the best position available for them. This process of finding permanent fits will begin on Saturday, Aug. 30 at a tournament in Mission.

“That’s why I like this tournament, to keep making adjustments for the team,” Coach Kazmierczak said.

The tournament, which will feature Plains, Deer Lodge, and Mission among others, will help the coach judge everyone’s greatest skills, helping her place them in the appropriate positions.

During the afternoon practice as the girls scrimmaged against each other, it was evident that excitement buzzed in the air. Coach Kazmierczak added to that buzz.

“I couldn’t wait. I’m excited (to get started),” she said.

The ladies have been pounding the pavement to stay conditioned and have been working on sticking together as a team – something Coach Kazmierczak said would be vital to their success.

The team already has bonding activities set up for the near future; hopefully bringing the team closer, creating a strong bond that will pay off on the court.

“It’s very important,” Coach Kazmierczak said. “They are going to spend three months together, depending on how far we take this.”