I have learned the hard way that no one ever really wants my recommendations. That said, let me offer some advice…. go and watch the Mariner Girls’ Basketball team play.
- Will they lose? I would say there is a good chance.
- Will they be physically over-matched? Almost definitely. You might well see a six foot opponent guarded by a young player six inches shorter.
- Will they make mistakes? Bank on it.
I realize this isn’t a convincing argument. Let me try a few more:
- Will they play hard every second of every game? Absolutely. They dive after every loose ball and tirelessly sprint down the court possession after possession.
- Will they play with determination and grit? They are a non-stop example of resolve and courage.
- Do they show improvement each and every game? Yes, without a doubt!
I have seen them play several times this season. Each and every game, I see progress. I can’t remember seeing a team play defense with this intensity. They play with great passion.
Monday night, I walked into the gym a little late and they were behind Duluth Denfeld by fourteen points. Their defense shifted into high gear and in the second half, they were within two. Late free throws in the game led Denfeld to a win by about five, but I am sure the Mariner coaches, parents, and fans were very proud of the effort.
Co-head coaches, Jamie Otterblad and Amy Nelson say, “It is a thrill to coach these outstanding young players.”
Like other teams in our local area, they are great students, good citizens, terrific athletes, and work hard every day.
To say that the Mariners are a young team is an understatement. Against Denfeld, the Mariners were playing three eighth graders, a ninth grader and a junior for a period in the second half. Five different eighth graders see varsity minutes.
The only senior, Sarah Maxwell, is co-captain, along with junior Ayla Simonson. Coach Nelson says, “Sarah is such a steady influence for the young girls. She is a great mentor and a class act.” Maxwell says, “Last year, we depended on Izzy [Carey] to do everything. She did the scoring and kept our spirits up. Now, we have to do it ourselves. It took a while, but it is coming together.”
Coach Otterblad says this about Simonson: “Ayla works incredibly hard. She is there every day. She fights for every ball, sacrificing her body without reservation. She has worked hard in the off-season and it shows.” For her part, Ayla added, “I am proud of how far we have come. We improve each practice.”
We all love to see our teams win. Sometimes the lessons are bigger than just winning. Take my advice. Watch the Mariners play.
