Building a team is an integral piece of success in basketball. Players rely on each other throughout the games, and being able to function effectively together can make the difference between a win and a loss. And for Eaglecrest’s girls’ basketball program, team building is a priority.

“I feel like we definitely all have a team mindset this year. I feel like we were all kind of scattered [last year] and we all wanted to be that star just because we had a shortened season,” said Nia McKenzie, a junior and varsity member of the team. This year, however, teamwork is more of a focus. “I feel like this time the team is really together and I really like that because I feel like in the end, that's really going to help us,” said McKenzie. With teamwork as a focus this year, that team building starts with incorporating the newcomers.

“Newcomers oftentimes are involved in the summer,” said head coach Robby Gabrielli. “So bringing them into the fold is not usually too difficult because we have all summer to work out and then we have the advantage here at our school with the sports training classes, which help people get to know each other and find their place here.” And it goes both ways: freshmen get to know their upperclassmen teammates and upperclassmen get to know their incoming freshmen.

Laci Roffle, a junior on the team, is hopeful for the season. And she too emphasized the importance of the team aspect. “We're all learning how to work as a team since we have so many new girls.” So far, it seems to be going well -- at least, according to freshman Lauren Perkins.

“It has been an awesome experience to be a part of the EHS team: a great program with great coaches and teammates,” said Perkins. Her brother, who played for Regis Jesuit, was a well-known basketball player during his time in high school. Now, that legacy puts a bit of a spotlight on Perkins, though it also serves as a source of motivation.

“My family is a huge part of why I play basketball,” said Perkins. “My strong history of basketball affects me on this team because I hope to one day accomplish similar goals as my brother did.” As a newcomer to the team, Perkins is still eager to play and said she hopes to contribute both offensively and defensively. And this season is her opportunity -- as well as an opportunity for all the newcomers -- to really build up those skills.

Two newcomers who are already showing their prowess by making varsity: Brooklyn Bickerstaff and Anahy Bustamante Nungaray. "Both Ana and Brooklyn are very skilled players who bring a lot to the team," said Gabrielli. "We are continuing to get them up to speed with how our program works, but we have high expectations for both to continue to contribute at key moments for our team, as each has early in the season." Rounding out the varsity team this year, these two have shown they have a lot to contribute to the team. Incorporating into a new team, however, is not always easy.

“There's definitely a learning curve. But I think we have a little bit of a benefit in that regard because we play year-round, so it's not as hard as it might seem to incorporate them and bring them in,” said Gabrielli. Especially for those who joined because of their genuine interest in or love for basketball, being incorporated into the team is easier.

“What made me try for basketball was just because I love basketball, and I didn't fall in love with basketball because I was the one who was playing,” said sophomore Shyann Farbes. “I was drawn to it because of my teammates pushing me to be the best player I can be.” Farbes, a varsity player her freshman year who is looking to improve even more this season, speaks positively about her team-bonding experience --just like Perkins. To them, the team bonding only makes them more hopeful for the season ahead. And it is part of what Perkins was looking for in a program.

“I wanted to play for EHS because it is a growing program that's becoming even more successful every year. EHS girls basketball has lots of potential, and Coach G is an awesome coach,” said Perkins. “He helps me with my confidence and encourages me to work hard every day.” Along with an encouraging coach, the team has something they didn’t last year: fans in the stands.

“Last year I didn't have any people in the stands,” said Farbes, explaining how the Covid year --her first on the team-- created a completely different atmosphere. “It's really exciting this year because it's my first time.” With newfound support, the team is looking toward a great season. Farbes said the first few games went well, but mostly, she looks forward to how the team will grow as they play more. Already, the season hasn’t been smooth sailing though.

“We had a lot of injuries recently. So we have gotten a lot of looks at different lineups --so different people in at the same time,” said Roffle. “But I think we'll be ready.” Facing adversity this early in the season might be daunting to many, but the team seems to be taking it in stride. Despite two varsity players’ injuries and despite being in the hardest league in the state, Roffle and her teammates maintain a positive outlook on the season. It does force the team to be adaptable, however -- a trait Gabrielli believes is crucial to a sports team.

“I like to observe and adjust and be flexible without completely making my mind up on things,” said Gabrielli. “I think we get into trouble in life in general but in sports particularly because we make up our minds that this is what we're going to do. And then sports is such a fluid thing that you have to be able to adjust…and hopefully, we'll make the necessary adjustments for what we hope to do.” Already, Eaglecrest girls basketball has made many adjustments over the years, adapting to new players, new situations, and continually seeking to improve.

“That was always the goal in the beginning when I wasn't here: just to make playoffs,” said senior Haley Esser. “And then after that, it was to win a playoff game, but this year I really feel like we can make it as far as we want.” Esser says it isn’t the team mentality that changed or the expectations --at least since she’s been on the team. But the talent and drive have only increased. According to Esser, they got lucky with great transfers, and that combined with their existing talent really brought the team to the next level. Mentality, however, also plays a notable part.

“The approach is just to have a consistent mental approach to every day,” said Gabrielli. But of course, it’s basketball that brings each and every player together in the end. And the sport makes its own impact on each team member.

“Basketball is significant to me because I love how you get to interact with others and have fun. Basketball takes me to a different universe, takes stress off; it genuinely makes me happy,” said Perkins. “I feel safe when I’m inside of a gym.” Perkins, whose goals are to be a leader and a good teammate, hopes to help her team win this year. "We are going to have a fantastic season," said Perkins. "We work very well together. We all support one another, and I love this team!” And with a love of basketball and a strong team foundation on their side, Eaglecrest girls basketball is more than ready to take on the season --and their opponents.

“We're tired of being the underdog,” said Esser. “We want people to respect us.”