Just as a young Thoroughbred must first learn to trot before sprinting around a track, it takes time and patience for new players to mesh together on the basketball court.
Youth and development have been the story this season for the Saratoga Springs High School girl’s basketball team, who after starting the season 7-7, now look to finish strong and continue to build towards the future.
“We have started to come together and the girls are playing good basketball,” said second year head coach Mike Hall. “We are beating teams we should beat and playing well against tough teams.”
Despite losing four conference games thus far in the season, the Blue Streaks have several conference games yet to play and are not out of playoff contention. Saratoga hosts Colonie tonight in a pivotal game with the winner taking over second place in the Blue Division.
The Blue Streaks starting lineup consists of four underclassmen and only one senior; including
Senior Kathleen Conley, junior Staci McElroy, and sophomore Kala Crawford.
Not shy on intensity and athleticism, the Blue Streaks have been consistent on defense and have kept games close with their quickness and aggressiveness.
McElroy leads the team in scoring and rebounds, with Crawford a close second in scoring for the season.
“McElroy is unbelievably athletic and is a natural scorer,” said Hall, adding that Crawford may be “one of the top two or three guards in the league.”
As the lone starting senior, Conley brings leadership to the team and excels on the defensive side of the ball.
One of the team’s weaknesses, according to Hall, is the struggle to score consistently and maintain confidence throughout each and every game.
“The girls don’t always realize how good they are,” said Hall. “We can be one of the top teams in the league if we stay focused and prepare like we are a talented team.”
Aside from wins and losses, Coach Hall is most proud of the intensity and aggressiveness the team displays, making opposing teams work as hard as they can to try to beat them.
With a solid core of players returning to the team over the next several years, the Blue Streaks will continue to improve and hope to challenge league rivals for spots in the post season.
“There is so much talent and commitment here, and so many people in the community who care about the team,” said Hall. “I want to get everyone in the community on the same page and
create a blueprint of success for the future.”
Come out to support the Blue Streaks as they host Colonie tonight at 7:30 p.m. Saratoga next travels to Shenendehowa to face the 7th-ranked Plainsmen.
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