The Grand Junction High School girls basketball team is nearing the end of its season.
As the season comes to an end, the girls reflect on a season marked with growth, resilience, and a unified team spirit. The team’s record is 9-13 as of Feb. 20, and their record in the previous season was 9-16.
“I think my greatest strength would be my leadership and communication and I use it to be able to help my team be on the same page while playing and to keep spirits high even if we are losing,” said GJHS sophomore Keely Wright.
The team is led by their captains, GJHS senior Hadyn Bunnell and juniors Harper Young and Makinna Young (no relation).
“I think a good strength I have as a captain is integrity. I am not really the type to tell people what they are supposed to do, but on the flip side, I try to show the right thing by doing what I am supposed to and putting in 100% effort so the other girls could pick up on that,” said Harper Young.
Though under the guidance of GJHS girls’ basketball coach Mary Doane, the Tigers steadily improved, focusing on fundamental skills, strategic execution, and trusting their training to overcome challenges.
“I really love how close this team is cultural-wise, they work well together, they support each other, and other than off the court, I love to see how hard they work,” said Doane.
The team will learn about making the Class 5A state playoffs after the final regular season game on Friday, Feb. 20, at D51 rival Central High School. The game will begin at 5:30 p.m.
