Sussex Academy girls’ basketball excited to jump into season
The Sussex Academy girls’ basketball team is hoping its off-season work leads to a few more wins this season.
“Playing basketball at Sussex Academy has been a roller coaster,” said senior captain Rachel Carey. “Starting with my sophomore year when we barely had enough [players] to make a team to now finally having enough girls to be able to scrimmage during practice. It’s been exciting.”
One of the new players is senior Samira Zahraoui who will be playing her first year of basketball. She said she has enjoyed her teammates, coaches and the atmosphere to start the season. It will be a season that’s measured by how well the girls play to end the season, rather than at the start.
“Expectations this season are to continue to grow as a team and individually,” said coach Rayona Benson. “Some of them have worked out all summer, so they're excited to see how much they've developed.”
Junior captain Falisha Amisial is hoping that off-season work carries over.
“I hope to see that the work we put into practice is reflected in the game and that it translates into wins,” she said.
Benson believes her team does well at recognizing team needs, and its chemistry will be key to scooping up wins.
“Whether that is communicating with each other on how to make adjustments or just picking each other up,” she said. “We've worked so hard on our defense that they know communication is a big part. This year, we will be working on moving the ball consistently and moving without the ball.”
Leading the charge for Sussex Academy will be Carey, Amisial and Emiley Bisaha.
“The captains pretty much chose themselves,” Benson said. “They knew it was their time to step up and lead. Two of them stepped up big time last year, and so this year all three of them made it their business to push each other and grow together. Going into the season, they've handled most of the communication and set standards that they know will win them some games.”
The Seahawks will tip off the regular season at home at 4 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 5, against First State Military Academy.
