Lakeview High School’s girls basketball team is poised for an exciting season, building off their first winning record in a decade under the leadership of new head coach Aaron Whalen. After finishing last season with a record of 13-11 and a fourth-place finish in the Central State Activities Association (CSAA) White conference, the Wildcats are eager to elevate their performance further.
Transitioning to a new coach can often present challenges for a high school sports team, yet the Wildcats have shown remarkable resilience. Over the past two years, they have adapted to two coaching changes, embracing the fresh perspectives that come with each new leader. Whalen, taking the helm as the team’s second head coach in two years, emphasizes the importance of team cohesion and hard work. “Our numbers are small, but they work really hard,” he stated. “They’re very eager to keep working and just play as a team.”
With only one senior, Katelyn Buchner, on the roster, the team is youthful but determined. Buchner shared her optimism for the season, noting, “I feel like we’re definitely still getting used to each other a little bit. I think once we start fully understanding each other on the court, we’re going to be good defenders and we’re going to be very good on offense, too.”
Whalen brings a wealth of experience to Lakeview, having coached tournament-level teams in Grand Rapids. This role marks his first position in the K-12 setting, and he was drawn to the opportunity due to personal circumstances. “When the opportunity came up, what really did it for me was that my daughter decided she wasn’t going to play her senior year,” he explained. “I didn’t want to coach and miss her last year, so when she wasn’t going to play, I thought to throw my hat in for it.”
Buchner has already noted a positive reception to Whalen’s coaching style. “He understands the game really well,” she said. “We’re able to pinpoint the little things that we need to work on.” The team has engaged in extensive shooting drills, which Buchner believes will enhance their overall performance.
Whalen has also focused on creating a positive team culture. “I told them from the beginning that this is about their experience, not mine,” he said. “We’re trying to make a big deal about every little thing.” This approach seems to be resonating with the players, who are committed to growth and improvement.
Last season marked a significant turning point for the Wildcats, as they achieved their first winning record in ten years. Buchner attributes much of their success to their improved ball handling and teamwork. “The way we were able to carry the ball down the court last season was a big thing for us that we hope to see this season,” she noted.
Despite a small roster, the Wildcats return two of five starters, including Buchner and junior Madison Bristol. Their experience will be crucial in guiding newer team members as they face competitive opponents. Whalen expressed confidence in his players, stating, “The kids are eager to learn and they want to win. They want to play hard.”
As the only senior on the team, Buchner is stepping into a leadership role that she hopes will help her grow personally. “I’ve always been kind of on the shy side, so taking part in actually being a captain and a leader this season is just helping me to develop more,” she explained. Whalen praised Buchner’s leadership skills, noting, “Katelyn is a natural leader and the girls respect her.”
Looking ahead, the Wildcats are optimistic about the upcoming season. With two games already played, the team anticipates making significant strides in both defense and offense. Buchner stated, “I think they can expect a lot of changes from last season, but still a lot of exciting new things. Our defense is going to grow tremendously as we continue throughout the season.”
Whalen echoed this optimism, stating, “You can expect us to compete every week and progressively see us gel well together.” Both players and coaching staff are focused on fostering a positive experience that emphasizes skill development and teamwork.
As the Wildcats gear up for their next matches, the anticipation is palpable. The Lakeview girls basketball team aims to build on their past successes while navigating the challenges of a new season under Whalen’s guidance. With a strong commitment to improvement, the Wildcats hope to make this season not just competitive, but also a memorable one for all involved.
