As the winter sports season comes to a close, the Lady Cavs are expecting many more Ws yet to come.
Under the seniors’ love and leadership, the girls agree that they found success this year. As a new member of the team during her sophomore year, Senior Riley Moore describes the love and comradery she has found on the girls’ basketball team, stating “collectively we are best friends, and that helps with sisterhood on the court.”
Last year, the team competed in the third round of playoffs, falling just a few points short of the eventual state championship team: Clark High School out of San Antonio. “I’m so lucky to be able to miss these kinds of people. It was just great that I could make those kinds of bonds,” Moore exclaimed. As a senior leader and major contributor to the team’s points, she is looking forward to strengthening the current team’s bonds as they plan for a longer playoff run this year and the opportunity to avenge that close loss.
While the Lake Travis Girls’ Basketball Team lost a core group of seniors from last year, Senior Claire Kolkhorst believes, “if we all give our 100%, we can accomplish whatever we want.” In agreement, Junior Anna Orgeldinger predicted that the team’s connections will be different this year, but also become stronger as the girls learn how to step into their new roles. Along with the team’s affinity, all of the seniors this year were leaders on and off the court – staying positive and continuing to compete with their teammates during practices. “Even though there will be a lot of learning this season, she said, “we’re all really good friends and I think it’s going to come.”
At the end of the day, Coach Bussinger believes that basketball emulates life. He describes, “I want everyone to feel like they’re part of something bigger than themselves, … [and] understand that they are important in the big picture.” In addition to comradery, he understands that the team’s success this year must rely on a constant intelligence, effort, love for the game, and drive to win. With so many new pieces to the puzzle, Coach Bussinger is excited to learn how everyone fits together in order for the team to reach its full potential.
While the team has evolved, the girls hold on to their many traditions. As the team prepares for their games, whether in the locker room or on a bus, music is always on full blast and the girls hype each other up to their favorite songs. Their pregame routine always concludes with a discussion about various focal points for the upcoming game, ensuring that everyone is confident before they play. Additionally, team post-game dinners at Torchy’s in Lakeway are a regular with Moore claiming, “it is just the best thing to eat after you play hard.”
When asked whether the team had the potential to reach beyond the third round of playoffs this year, Junior, Kat Ford exclaimed, “We better!” So, follow @_ladycavsbasketball on Instagram for future game schedule and season updates! The Lady Cavs Basketball Team can’t wait to begin their next season and see all of their fellow Lake Travis students cheering them on in the stands.
