Central’s girls’ basketball team is bouncing back into action with a diverse dynamic, senior Brooke Banninger said.

“This season we added three more games to our regular season; with that comes more competition against bigger schools,” she said. “It’s important that we are focused every day in practice preparing us to play against all levels of competition.”

Last year was Paige Talbott’s first year as head coach. They ended the season with an overall record of 10-10, placing fourth in district.

This year the team will rely heavily upon teamwork to dominate the courts, Banninger said.

Junior Grace Ostmeyer said the most challenging thing the team will come across is their experience level.

“We are in a competitive league and I feel as though it will be tough,” Ostmeyer said. “But we as a team are ready for the challenge once we start league play.”

The score might not indicate everything that happened in the game, Ostmeyer said.

“It’s vital to look at both sides, positives and negatives, allowing us to have a growth mindset and fix mistakes,” she said.

Banninger said that everyone on the team acts as a leader.

“The underclassmen rely on the upperclassmen to set examples on and off the court just as much as the upperclassmen rely on the underclassmen for trust and support,” Banninger said.

To prepare for every game, win or lose, the team sets the vibe with a little pre-game ritual.

“Before leaving the locker room we say the same prayer connecting us to work together on the court and reminding us to be grateful for every opportunity,” Banninger said.

Ostmeyer said senior point guard Lexie Guerrero is the glue of their team.

“She is always calm on the court and makes the right plays at the right time,” Ostmeyer said. “Her basketball IQ is amazing and she sees the floor very well.”

Guerrero said she wants to leave it all on the court.

“I want to leave with no regrets,” she said. “I don’t want to finish basketball season and wish I could have done more.”

The team will play against South tonight.