From early practices to challenging games, the Fair Grove Middle School Basketball Teams spent their season building strong fundamentals and a good team bond.
For the girls’ basketball coach, Carrie Green, the season was about building a strong foundation and helping all of her players improve regardless of their experience. Green shared, “All of the girls come to middle school with different skill levels.” She added, “Some have played for years, and some are brand new to the game. Blending those skills and giving everyone an opportunity to play and get better is sometimes difficult.”
Green emphasized that growth was the most important part of their season. This year, she said all of her players have improved due to their efforts. The eighth-grade girls’ team was led by Dia Draper, Addison Miller, and Lynlie Lankford, who Green describes as hard-working and consistent leaders. The team also received strong contributions from Karis Peck, Lexie Steele, Halei Davidson, and Gemma Hirayama.
On the seventh-grade team, Mali Schwab and Ember McDaniel led as the most experienced players. Aria Dunning, Kennedy Waltz, Claire Otterness, and Piper Lentz also contributed to the team as solid players. Green also shared that newcomers, Taylor Ebbrecht, Maci Wilson, and Gracie Polodna made a big difference since they picked up the game quickly.
Coach Green enjoys coaching and said, “I love the game of basketball, and I grew up playing for my dad, who was my high school basketball coach… I love teaching the game and the thrill of competition.“ Green added, “I am so proud of all the girls this season. Even though the season is fast and furious, I enjoy every moment working with the girls.”
On the boys’ basketball team, Head Coach Ryan Highstreet highlighted commitment and teamwork as defining traits of his team. Highstreet shared, “We practice in the mornings from 6:00–7:30.” He added, “That’s a commitment right there just having to get up in the morning.”
Highstreet grew up in athletics and shared that staying connected to sports is very important to him as a coach. Highstreet said that his star players were Madden Viets (7) at point guard, Hudson Wingo (7) at power guard, and Wylie Hardin (7) at shooting guard.
Wingo shared that he has had a good season with lots of improvement. Wingo stated, “I have improved my shooting in practice by working with coach Highstreet.” Wingo also shared that one of his favorite parts of basketball is talking to the team on their long bus rides. One of Wingo’s big goals for next year is to win back to back conferences.
The boys strengths centered around team chemistry and basketball knowledge. Highstreet expressed that they understand their roles, have a team-first mindset, and they’re smart.
