BY HUNTER DONELSON

The Patriots’ girls basketball team was on a roll at the end of last season, and the offseason didn’t stop them from improving. After a 7-point loss to North Kansas City to start the year, the Patriots bounced back with an 80-point victory over Central and another Winnetonka Invitational Championship.

This week the Patriots are 1-1 with a win over Olathe Northwest 61-50 and a loss to Mill Valley 58-45 in the De Soto tournament. Those results push them to 6-2 on the season.

The girls team has already met some of their goals they have set for this season, like bringing home the Winnetonka Invitational title in back-to-back seasons. Now they can switch their sights towards bigger achievements. “Our main goal is to get as many wins under our belt as we can. We have the potential to go far this year, and I think if we work as a team, state is definitely in reach,” said senior Brodi Byrd.

The Patriots have put up some big wins and are coming together very well this season, as they focus on boosting their team chemistry throughout the year. “We have a lot of diversity. Lots of shooters, a few drivers, and some strong, athletic posts. Knowing each others strengths will be the key to success this season,” said Byrd.

It seems this Patriots team knows what they need to do in order to get where they want to be at the end of the year. Knowing one another’s strengths is something they will look to focus on the farther they get into the season and beyond. They will be playing for 3rd place in the De Soto tournament this Saturday.