The Warrenton girls basketball team returns from Christmas break with a prime-time game in the 2016 Gary Filbert Classic. The Warriors take on the host school, Mexico, Saturday at 6 p.m. Warrenton …
This item is available in full to subscribers.
We have recently launched a new and improved website. To continue reading, you will need to either log into your subscriber account, or purchase a new subscription.
If you are a digital subscriber with an active subscription, or you are a print subscriber who had access to our previous wesbite, then you already have an account here. Just reset your password if you have not yet logged in to your account on this new site.
If you are a current print subscriber and did not have a user account on our previous website, you can set up a free website account by clicking here.
Otherwise, click here to view your options for subscribing.
Please log in to continue |
The Warrenton girls basketball team returns from Christmas break with a prime-time game in the 2016 Gary Filbert Classic.
The Warriors take on the host school, Mexico, Saturday at 6 p.m.
Warrenton Head Coach Greg Williams thinks Saturday’s atmosphere will help prepare his team for a postseason run in March.
“Last year, we got through districts, and in that first round of sectionals we were really tight,” he said. “The girls had to play in front of 3,500 people and they were really shocked.”
Now, he said, his players crave big crowds.
The Warriors improved to 3-1 with a 62-33 win over Silex Dec. 21, and took four days off last week before returning to the gym Monday.
“The girls needed a break after the long softball and volleyball seasons,” Williams said. “We’ve had two hard practices, but these are great girls to coach because they knew that and didn’t cower down. They were ready for it.”
With only four games under its belt, the team seemed eager to face another opponent Saturday.
“It’s been a long break, but we’re ready to get back after it,” junior guard Jenny Jansen said. “Everyone has been getting better, especially defensively.”
Jansen led the team with 14 points against Silex, and has been the offensive leader for the Warriors thus far.
Senior forward Amanda LaFaver has liked the intensity heading into Saturday’s matchup.
“There’s not one person who is slacking off,” she said. “Everybody is bringing the effort.”
Williams has been impressed with sophomore guard Ashtyn Dixon, as well.
“She’s really come a long way,” he said. “She’s just a class act and a hard-working player, and she should help us going forward.”
Warrenton faces a 1-6 Mexico team that is coming off its first win of the season, a 51-43 decision over Hannibal Dec. 18.
Saturday’s game kicks off a busy month for Warrenton that includes five regular season games and two tournaments.
The Warriors host the Warrenton Winter Shootout Jan. 11-16 and compete in the Washington Tournament Jan. 25-29.
Williams hopes his team starts the month on a positive note Saturday night.
“It’s a blessing and a great opportunity to play on a big stage,” he said. “Our girls play better in front of a big crowd, so we like to have those types of experiences.”
Warrenton guard Rylie Cox goes up for a layup against Silex Dec. 21. Kory Carpenter photo.
