Women’s basketball team seeking to improve from last season

With the pressure already building because of the possibility of achieving her career high, senior Nicole Miller made another 3-pointer against conference-rival Brevard.

The final shot landed and Miller scored 28 points, leading the Lady Falcons to a 60-46 victory.

“My proudest moment of the season for me was when we beat Brevard because I had 28 points, and it was just a huge win,” Miller said. “This was a season changing win and I am really glad we beat them ad continued our success.”

The team lost to Franklin, 35-46, in the first round of the conference tournament on Feb. 15.

The next game will be Feb. 25 in the first round of the state playoffs.

In recent years, North Henderson has been a struggle for the Lady Falcons, but this season has been a different story. On Dec. 11, the team posted a 49-27 win.

Senior Kalen Orr had 10 points and 12 rebounds, while Miller had six points and four rebounds.

“I was really proud of everyone for that win. The past two years we have lost to North (Henderson), but I am really happy we were able to really beat them,” Orr said. “That win was the high point of our season because we haven’t been historically good against them. Beating them my senior season really meant a lot to me.”

With a nine-win season a year ago, the team was hoping to see an improvement. Junior Jenna Sharrits said she would like to accomplish that goal and reach the playoffs.

The team is currently 7-16 overall, 5-10 in the Western North Carolina Athletic Conference.

“Last year we fell in the first round of the playoffs, which was really disappointing. This year I know that all of the girls would really like to see us get to the playoffs,” Sharrits said. “I think that with more hard work and a lot of heart we can accomplish the goal of winning more games than last year.”

Last year, the women’s basketball team lacked experience and leadership with only one senior on the team. Currently, the team has nine seniors, which has given the team a strong sense of leadership. In addition to Miller and Orr, the seniors include Kayla and Kelsey Walker, Danielle Buchanan, Haley Ward, Lauren Ward, Shelby Osborne and Ashley Spake.

“The biggest difference between this year and last year is the senior leadership. I think that this has really helped the younger girls on the team because it gives them many people to look up to,” Miller said. “We have all had to step up as seniors in order win games and have a successful season.”

Enthusiasm has also been a strength for the team, Sharrits said.

“I really like the fact that we play with heart and intensity,” she said. “It really helps to have positive attitude and pure will when the game is on the line.”

By Aury St. Germain, Sports Editor