For a pair of seniors with much invested in the program, the recently concluded season was one of milestones and memories — ones worth coveting for a lifetime.The Warrenton girls basketball team achieved a laundry list of firsts, and a group of underclassmen appear poised to continue that success.The Warriors’ 18-8 finish was the best in over a decade, as they won the first district title in school history. Subsequently, Warrenton competed in its first-ever sectional playoff game, falling to St. Charles West, depite an improved showing over the first two regular season meetings.“We had two seniors and not a lot of varsity experience,” said first-year Coach Greg Williams. “I thought we were fortunate to win some games early.”He built his team on faith and trust — trusting in God and in your teammates.“We turned it over to God, and I thought he blessed us well,” said Williams.The Warriors’ success was a product of sound senior leadership along with solid contribution and quick adaptation by a group of skilled underclassmen.“They’ve been through a lot together,” said Williams, of his seniors. “I told the kids it’s really important we send them out on a good note. I think winning district was a thrill for them.”Senior Hannah Sutton was the floor leader, averaging 15 points per contest from her point guard position. She also chipped in 2.7 rebounds and 2.3 steals per game. She shot a team-best 33 percent from beyond the arc, netting 30 treys.“She had a lot of responsibility, especially early in the season,” said Williams. “She would not only keep us in games but win them.”Sutton also surpassed the 1,000-point career markFellow senior Kylie Toebben netted 5.7 points and grabbed 2.8 boards per game.“She really kept us composed in a lot of situations,” said Williams. “There were a lot of games where she made some extraordinary decisions for us.”Warrenton’s most dangerous threat down low was sophomore Jenny Jansen, who averaged a team-best 16 points and 10.2 boards.“She’s such a competitor and created a matchup problem for many of our opponents,” said Williams.While the underclassmen didn’t necessarily contribute the bulk of the scoring, they did make their presence known in a variety of other ways.Sophomore Kaylee Anderson provided an outside shooting spark, while freshmen Ashtyn Dixon and Rylie Cox were strong under pressure while handling the ball and also provided aggressive defense.“Not everyone gets to cut their teeth at the varsity level as a freshman,” said Williams. “Those girls were thrown in there pretty much sink or swim.”Freshman Kayla Nelson was also asked to step up at big moments as the biggest presence in the paint.“Rylie was huge in the championship game in districts, and Kayla had big moments in the tournaments,” said Williams.He says the Warriors ultimately thrived best in transition and not necessarily in slower halfcourt sets.“We were usually better off pushing the tempo,” said Williams. “Against some teams, we couldn’t do that so we had to rely on sets.”Defensively, Warrenton used its athleticism to match up with teams, switching the approach after operating out of the zone for many seasons.“I really thought our man-to-man took shape and improved,” said Williams. “It was instrumental in some success we had later.”With three starters returning, he says the Warriors are eager to build on the success next winter.“I was pleased with the improvement of all of them,” said Williams. “We’ve got better days ahead of us, and if we keep working hard, good things are in store.”WARRIORS MAKE HISTORYDerrick Forsythe photo.