All good things must come to an end. The Lady Kings ended their historic season this past Saturday, Feb 17, 2024, in the semi-state game against Andrean. The Lady Kings ended this season with twenty-two wins and four losses. The Lady Kings made history with their regional win and were the first team in over twenty years to come out with a winning season as well as the first team in nineteen years to win a sectional title. The Lady Kings were greatly supported by their school, community, and families in the Berry Bowl this past weekend.
Kinsey Mennen was asked if the community’s support helped the Lady King’s playing ability this past weekend, “The community’s support gave us all a lot more confidence in what we were doing and gave a boost of hey we can and are actually doing what we’ve talked about doing for years!” Senior Kinsey Mennen was also asked what changed this year compared to last year, and she added, “I think the group of girls and the atmosphere of our team was just really, really good this year.” Senior Faith Helvie was also asked what changed and she added, “I think we became more of a team and did more things together instead of being in groups like the previous years, we became a lot closer this year more than any other year.” Helvie was also asked how her goals changed as the season progressed and she said, “I just didn’t want it to end, but I believed that we could make it far this year and we did. My goals just kept going to the next big win.”
The Lady Kings have become more of a family than a team as they have experienced hardships along the road to success. Coach Amor was asked how it feels to have a team that feels like a family, and he responded, “The fact that they see themselves as a family is huge. Wanting what is best for your teammates is what it takes to be successful. Basketball is a long season. It makes it so much easier when you like being around your teammates. We are together a ton! 60 practices, 26 games, hours on buses, team dinners… Loving each other makes those times enjoyable.” As a player, I can attest that being on the basketball team is like being a part of a family.
The Lady Kings will lose three seniors, Kinsey, Heta, and Faith. Coach Amor was asked how this will affect his team next year, “Every season we graduate great kids. Graduating the seniors we have this year is going to leave a huge hole in this team. However, each year we bring in new kids. Our upperclassmen will welcome the incoming freshman and we will have a new family. It will be a new family with new strengths, new challenges, and new goals. I’m excited to start building next year’s team.”
This season has been historical for the Lady Kings. The Lady Kings have met goals and have made history. Even though this season is over the Lady Kings have had an incredible experience and will continue to reach success for the next year to come.
