Yelm girls basketball gained some much-needed momentum on Christmas break as the team went 2-1, securing victories over Fife and Centralia, at the second annual Tiger Classic at Centralia High School from Dec. 28 to Dec. 30.
The Tornados first played Fife on Thursday, Dec. 28 and won the contest 49-26. The Tornados were dominant throughout the majority of the game. The team dropped its next contest on Friday, Dec. 29 to Lakes, 46-32. Yelm capped off the tournament with a victory over Centralia, 59-42.
“Our girls have the ability and talent to win games. We, as a coaching staff, believe in our program and players’ ability to win. We are working on strengthening our team play this season,” Yelm coach Jennifer Sleeman said. “The wins we experienced in this tournament were the result of hard work our team has been putting in on and off the court to become more consistent to allow for the winning of all four quarters we have been striving toward all season. We are proud of our girls and their dedication to working outside of their comfort zone to allow their team to be successful.”
Sleeman said Lilli Williams and Henlee Sherman each played big roles in the team’s efforts at the Tiger Classic. On top of their efforts, Sleeman credited the duo for their leadership skills on and off the court.
“Their determination and competitive nature brings their teammates in and allows for their team to find confidence on the court in all lineups,” Sleeman said. “We also had solid defense from senior Jayde Connally down in the paint. Senior Maria Casihan has been all over the floor doing the little things that need to be done. Also, Austin Hitchner has found that she is a contender on the boards.”
The Tornados will now turn their sights on to South Sound Conference opponent Central Kitsap High School, as Yelm hosts the Cougars at 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 5. The Tornados will then host an SSC contest against the River Ridge Hawks at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 10.
“We are better together. As a team we have the ability to score a lot of points. We are really focusing on how to win four quarters. Our team is coming off a year of adversity, and we had to find a way to continue to strengthen our team’s culture to allow for consistency on the court,” Sleeman said. “Before break, we would win quarters and then lose quarters — leading to close losses to teams we were evenly matched with. Our goal coming out of break: secure 4 quarters of wins consistently against any matchup.
As the season progresses, Sleeman said she and the YHS staff will continue to find each player’s talents and use them
strategically.
“I believe we have the talent and diversity to play anyone,” Sleeman said. “I need the girls to step into that belief. We do that by continuing to play for each other and being determined to be different.”
