The senior women Aces basketball team managed to handle the Caroline Cougars 51-31 despite having to deal with a season-ending injury to their starting point guard, Virnise Castro.
“Without Virnise, our point guard, we have been in a learning stage,” Coach Cody Magneson said. “That was our first game without her and we came out a bit timid and nervous. We got better throughout the game.”
The loss of the Ace’s point guard is difficult to swallow, however it opens up opportunities for younger players to step up and fill the void.
“Without Virnise, we have been starting two Grade 9 team members,” Magneson said. “It gives them that opportunity because no one can hide behind another player. Everyone has to step up themselves and fill roles. The Grade 9’s are going to keep improving with more time on the floor.”
Losing a strong veteran also means that more seasoned Ace’s will need to take on a stronger leadership role.
“It’s very easy for younger girls to lose their heads so I really lean on the older girls to control the game and everyone’s emotions. They keep calm,” Magneson said.
Despite the loss of Castro on the court Magneson believes their team will recover.
“Over the weekend, everyone showed us a full-court press which wasn’t always pretty but we definitely improved throughout the tournament,” he said. “We took a little step back so we will have to improve every game. We feel that we‘ll be the most improved team in our division between now and the end of the season.”
The Aces were led by 25 points from Casey Belway and 18 points from Delaini Gillett.
Magneson added he encourages the community to come out and support the Aces throughout the playoffs. Dates have not been set yet as the Aces have one more home game on February 8.
reporter@eckvilleecho.com