The St. Louis varsity girls’ basketball team picked up their last conference win at Ithaca Feb. 13, 2024, which secured them the top spot in the Tri-Valley White Conference.
For the first time in 10 years, the Lady Sharks were ruled as victors of the conference. They could have come home with a co-conference championship, but that wasn’t written in their storyline. Instead, they came out with a victory, beating Ithaca 46-30. This achievement was backed up by months of hard work on and off of the court. Additionally, they have maintained a high academic standard to ensure their right to be on the court each week, and the practices to get them there were not easy.
Senior Olivia Good stated, “It was honestly such a surreal feeling knowing that we were the first team in 10 years to win something that big. I’m so grateful to be a part of a team that can do such extraordinary things. We all work together so well, and it has been a long time since the girls basketball team has gotten the chance to be 17-4. I’m just so proud of everything we have accomplished so far. I can’t wait for districts in a few weeks!”
There were a few key athletes who were key contributors to the big win. Natalee Hoyt had a dominant night on offense and defense with 14 points, eight rebounds, and six steals. Additionally, Josie Schrot picked up 14 points and four rebounds, Kerregan Wilson had six points and nine rebounds, and Zoey Clarke had nine points on the night. These ladies had stellar nights on the court, and now they have the conference championship to prove it.
Athletes are an essential piece of the game, but the work ethic the coaches instill in the players is what wins those games. Coach Knauf has been the coach of the girls team for the past few years, and he has led the team to success. He stated, “We got better as the game went on. The second half was good on both ends of the floor. It’s a big deal to win the league in general, but especially because it is the last time we play in this league. Also playing Ithaca was an important part of the game, so it was two big factors in one.”
The Sharks will be back in action at Beal City Mar. 7, 2024, where they will be competing in the district semifinals.
