The Atoms Girls Varsity basketball team got off to a nice start to begin the season in district play, holding a 1-2 record and a win against the Lewis Lancers. As the season has progressed, so have the girls.

Nevertheless, the Atoms have found themselves in many tight games but they haven’t found the missing key to get over the hump and close out games just yet. Their defense has been suffocating and forcing many turnovers, the offense has been improving and the scoring numbers have been increasing; so, what’s the missing key? 

An important aspect of team sports that is often overlooked is the preparation leading up to the game. For Junior starter, Matilda Moreland, this often looks like, “Getting to practice early in the upstairs gym before warmups,” said Moreland. “We also like to sit in the bleachers and cheer on the team playing before us to get our heads in the right place.” 

However, preparation and getting focused for the game doesn’t just start in those 90 minutes prior to tipoff. It’s all week.

“We always go over what we need to focus on for the upcoming specific game,” said Senior Salma Sheriff. “We review what we’ve talked about and prepared for in practice all week to make sure we’re ready.”

For a young and inexperienced team like our girls, leading by example is so vital to the success of the team not only for this season, but for many years to come. 

“I make sure to encourage them [my teammates] and help them gain confidence in themselves and their ability to play the game,” expressed Sheriff. “Also playing hard and giving it my all on the court so they can follow my example.” 

For Junior Megan Murray, understanding her teammates’ struggles is important in setting them up for success. 

“I know my teammates well so if someone is struggling with a skill I try my best to give them opportunities to improve,” noted Murray. “I encourage that growth because I know that the team can do really well when we give our full effort.”

As a player who made the varsity team as a freshman, Moreland knows just how important it is to have leadership from older and more experienced players. Especially helpful when younger players are battling through slumps or mental blocks. 

“I try to keep my teammates positive and focused so they can push through it when they think they’ve reached the limit,” said Moreland. 

Make no mistake, this is one of the hardest working teams in the state. Every practice is intense, competition between the team and individuals forces every player to get better; or get left out of the rotation. 

“Our biggest strength is definitely our work ethic. Everyone is always giving 110% during practice,” stated Moreland. “This is the most hard-working team I’ve ever been a part of.” 

“To compensate for our weaknesses, we stay disciplined on the court and play hard,” added Sheriff. 

Not only is practice a great place to build chemistry and to push one another, but it’s a great place to address the team’s weaknesses and prepare for future games. 

“We are able to address our weaknesses during practice by communicating and reflecting on the games,” said Murray. 

For Moreland, practice is a great opportunity to, “acknowledge our weaknesses by talking about them as a team and setting goals for ourselves that we try to reach during games,” expressed Moreland. 

A prime example of this preparation and team goals coming to light is the game against Falls Church. The Jaguars, who rebound ferociously were a tall task for Moreland, the lead forward.  

She was challenged by her head coach, coach Chelsea Harrison, to lead all players in rebounds. Moreland responded by snatching 14 boards off the glass and leading all players in that department. 

Despite suffering a loss to Falls Church in the Jaguars’ gym, the team had lots to hold their head high about. The rebounding was finally coming together and the offense was starting to become more fluid and effortless. 

The Atoms had a chance to rebound against the Jaguars on their Senior Night on Friday, 01/24 but unfortunately fell short to the Jags. You can support the Atoms as they take on district rival Justice Wolves this coming Thursday, 01/30. For more updates regarding the team you can follow the team Instagram page, @atomsgvbb.