It’s an exciting time of the year for Denmark’s girls basketball team as region play makes its long-awaited return. With 9 games left, 8 of them being in-region, it’s time for the Lady Danes to get down to business. As of now, they are holding down the 4th position in the region behind West, South, and Lambert with a 2-3 region record. Not to worry, though. The Danes still have plenty of time to rise in the rankings by the end of the regular season, especially with the help of Emma Hempkner. During her last game against South Forsyth, Emma scored her 1500th point within 100 varsity starts. That’s an impressive milestone for the Senior!
When asked about the team’s chances of ending up on top by the end of the season, Emma seemed optimistic. She expressed her thoughts on this year’s region, saying that “any team on any given night has a chance to pull out a win.” The region is evenly matched this year, giving the team hope that they can upset the current rankings and rise to the top. Just about anyone can claim the first position at this point, promising an adrenaline pumping race to the end. Emma also delivered some insight on how their tough non-region games have prepared them for the “pressure and intensity from the teams [they] could potentially face in playoffs.” Instead of playing less aggressive and talented teams to improve their record, they went up against the best teams that the area had to offer. In doing so, they have improved their level of play and don’t have to amp themselves up for the high-level games that the postseason brings, as they have been playing tough teams all year.
“The Danes still have plenty of time to rise in the rankings by the end of the regular season, especially with the help of Emma Hempkner.”
The Dane’s preparation extends beyond the court, as well. Emma stressed the importance of their coaches making sure that the team has been taking the time to “recover [their] bodies and focus on staying healthy.” Toward the end of the season, it is especially important to stretch and eat well. It allows athletes to play their best. In the final quarter of a game, the team that can continue to exert maximum effort is usually the one who comes out on top. It’s safe to say that Coach Siuta understands that fact and has made sure that she gives her team the best possible chance of pulling out a win when it matters by enforcing a self-care regimen.
Junior Naomi Manoj has a similar outlook as Emma. She feels that the team has “a good chance of performing well” because of their extensive preparation and the help of new plays. Naomi revealed that the team has been working hard to learn new plays and develop more strategies before playoffs start to give themselves an edge. These plays will hopefully catch the opposing teams off-guard, allowing the Danes to score. However, learning these plays takes a lot of practice. Already having played so many games, the girls are starting to feel tired. Naomi, who has played Denmark basketball for three years, says that the key to making it through playoffs is to maintain focus as final region games draw closer and push through the exhaustion. As someone who has experienced the fatigue of a long season, she is aware of what exactly it takes to push through the final games.
The Danes are getting ready to face South and Central on the 26th and 30th, respectively.
These games present an important opportunity for the team to improve their record and standing in the region. With the strategy and mindset that the team has implemented this season, there is a good chance that the girls will end up dominating the region. Make sure to come out and show support to the girls of the basketball team in their final stretch. Wish our Lady Danes good luck as they prepare for their final games of the regular season!
