Season of Growth

They shoot… Swoosh! They score!! Another point for the Jags. 

Though the basketball season has come to a close for the JA Jags seniors, this is just the beginning for the freshmen. With young talent emerging and lessons learned from every battle on the court, next season promises to be even bigger and better.

“It was a little intimidating, getting to know everyone, but it turned out fine,” commented freshman Gabriel Newman.

What once might have felt like an uphill battle at the start of the season gradually became a journey. Now, as the final buzzer sounds, those early nerves have given way to a mix of sadness and reflection.

“I’m a little sad cause I mean, the games were fun,” explained Alyssa Grigsby, “but at the same time I’m kind of happy because it’s getting a little tiring.” The end of seasons can be a roller coaster of excitement and relief. 

There are some sad emotions for the seniors who are leaving, as well as hesitant excitement from the freshmen. All well-deserved, though, with the great accomplishments of this season.  

“This year both teams have done a lot better, with both teams only losing a few games so the records are a lot better,” said Grigsby.

Making a new record for the team and the school is always a great feeling, but not all accomplishments are recognized in stats or new records.

“My team's biggest accomplishment was probably learning how to work well as a team because we struggled with that for a while,” admitted Newman. A team's ability to work together can either break or make a team, and the JA Jags C Team chose the latter.

Behind every win and every moment of triumph was the relentless grind - late practices, grueling conditioning week, and the unwavering determination to push past adversity. This season wasn’t just about the victories on the scoreboard; it was built on resilience and a commitment to improving daily. 

“It's been a little tiring having to play two games,” Grigsby revealed. “Varsity I don’t play as much, but there are games where some varsity players are gone where I play some more.”

Grigsby wasn’t the only one who had to try something new and overcome some challenges. Many other players faced similar adversities.

“I ended up playing a completely different position than I thought I would, and I haven’t passed so that was good,” Newman contemplated.

Although many players like Newman and Grigsby faced adversities, they still made big contributions to both their personal goals and team-wide achievements. This season has been filled with challenges, growth, and moments that defined the JA Jags basketball teams. But as one chapter closes, another begins. 

“And so, the 2025 basketball season comes to a wrap,” commented Melina Sterns.