Cape girls’ basketball has low numbers, but good attitude

The Cape girls’ basketball team made it through its 2016-17 season at 12-8, but it was a season of injuries and sickness that devastated the starting lineup.

One player was missing due to a bout with mononucleosis, while another a player was out with a serious knee injury. This season, Cape coach Lauren Carra is looking to improve on that 12-8 record, but with a new obstacle looming over the team. There is only seven girls on the varsity squad, and one is not cleared to play until Dec.12.

“I’ve heard the numbers are down for a lot of teams this year,” Carra said. “We have three seniors and three juniors who have come up through the program since they were freshmen on the varsity team. We are going to rely on them heavily. They have worked so hard the last couple of weeks.”

“Even though our numbers are small this year, we make up for it with our positive energy, work ethic and synergy,” said senior Mel McCloy. “This is the most dedicated and supportive Cape basketball team I’ve played on in my four years here, and I’m really looking forward to this season.”

Returning to the varsity lineup are seniors Sydney Pedersen, McCloy and Mallory Jones; juniors Alia Marshall, Niyashja Mosley and Alexis Watkins; and sophomore Dania Cannon.

Coaching along with Carra are assistant coach Katie Collick and longtime Cape Crusaders coach Tom Pedersen. Returning to coach the junior varsity is Jeff Evans.

“It’s great having Tom with us this year,” said Carra. “He’s very knowledgeable and will add a lot to our program.

“Our expectations are still very high, no matter what anyone else is thinking about us,” said Carra.

Cape will open the season Friday, Dec. 1, at Smyrna.