SHEPHERD — The Shepherd girls basketball team had some pretty high expectations entering the season, but there was a championship hangover from volleyball of sorts that had the Fillies stuck in first gear early on.
WATCH THE VIDEO:
"It did take us a little time to get going. A majority of my group is volleyball players and was part of that team, so it took us some time to get back in the rhythm," Shepherd coach Becky Anderson said. "Then the first four teams we played are still top 10 teams, so it wasn't an easy beginning to the season, but it was a great way for us to see where we're at."
The Fillies found their stride through the heart of the season, as they ripped off eight consecutive wins. They’ve since lost a pair, but there’s been no reason to sound the alarm.
“It's been fun to watch them grow and mature as players in everything they do. They never really panic or get flustered. They just keep grinding. Our goal is to get better every single day," Anderson said.
As this year’s edition of the Fillies gets primed for what they hope to be a deep postseason run, they’ve also taken on the mantle of being role models for the next generation.
“I remember looking back on the high schoolers and I thought they were the coolest people going out on the court every day, but I do that every week and I don't think it's quite as cool," senior Lexie Dennison said. "It's pretty cool to give them the gift of being acknowledged for what they're doing."
“Not only in sports but in school, too," senior Lauren Anderson said. "Having really high GPAs and being able to succeed on the court is something we really look for and we really want to be role models for younger kids."
The youngsters will likely be in attendance this weekend as Shepherd has a pair of home games against Red Lodge and Roy-Winifred this Friday and Saturday.
