The Sweet Home girls basketball team closed out their season at home on Tuesday, Feb. 25, with a 57-24 loss to No.-5-ranked Cascade.
The Huskies demonstrated some strong play, particularly in the opening quarter, Coach Erika Evans said.
“We played awesome in the first quarter and competed well,” Coach Erika Evans said. “The score was 12-17 going into the second quarter against their starters.”
Though Cascade’s depth allowed the Cougars to pull away as the game progressed, the Huskies’ ability to challenge a top-tier team early on showcased the strides they’ve made this season.
Evans has emphasized growth throughout the year, encouraging her players to recognize the progress they’re making, even in difficult matchups.
“We talk a lot about ‘moving the needle’ so the girls recognize the small victories and remember they are part of building a program from the ground up,” she said.
The Huskies took that mindset to heart, showing significant improvement from last season. They secured five wins this year, including their first league victory in two years – an achievement Evans credits entirely to the players’ dedication.
“The most rewarding thing this season has been seeing the girls’ improvement from last year and from start to finish over the season,” Evans said.
From increased confidence on offense to stronger defensive execution, the Huskies have made clear progress. Their ability to battle through tough competition while maintaining a positive and determined attitude has been a defining feature of their season.
Evans mentioned that while wins are important, the team’s overall growth and resilience have been just as significant.
Sweet Home finishes the season 1-9 in the tough Oregon West Conference, in which three teams are ranked in the top five going into the playoffs. Overall the Huskies went 5-16.
With a varsity roster of three juniors, four sophomores and three freshmen – no seniors, Sweet Home has a unique opportunity to build on the foundations set this season. Evans is encouraging her returning players to focus on fundamental skills in the offseason, from ball-handling to game awareness, in order to continue their progress.
“We told returning players to work on building their fundamental skills, like dribbling with their weak hand, getting shots up, and just playing more basketball.”