Sports Q&A by: Kelli Reichert

This year the Oak Park girls basketball team managed to accomplished an amazing feat. They were able to make a complete turn around, going from 0-4 to 4-0 this season. Many are wondering how this transformation was possible. Luckily, junior Rebecca Hughes is here to answer a few questions about the teams turn around.

Northmen News: : What changes has the team made to create this 4-0 start?

Junior Rebecca Hughes:: Well we have spent more time working to connect as a team. We actually did a lot of team bonding before and at the beginning of the season. We have a different skill set than we have in the past, so we had to change our offense and it turned out for the best. Not to mention we have been scrimmaging the boys’ team. They play so much more physical than girls, so now when we play other teams we play more aggressively.

NN: : What changes have you made to better yourself as a player?

RH::Personally, I have been working my butt off! This year I made the change from a post player to become a three shooter. So I have spent a lot of time working on my dribbling skills and shots past the lane.

NN: : Do you think the team clicks better than last year’s, why or why not?

RH:: This team clicks really well on and off the court. One thing that helps is that we have been playing together for a while now. Since we are comfortable with each other, we have become friends. It really shows on the court.

NN: : How do you see the rest of the season going for the team?

RH:: I see the rest of the season going either way, It takes a lot of work and effort and even the best team can lack at that. Even though we have made a huge improvement and work hard, it is still possible to have a losing season. But who knows, I am optimistic.

NN: : What goals has the team set this year? Has having a goal proved useful?

RH:: Our goal this yeas is not to linger on any game or any play. We want to forget all the best and worst plays and focus on the next one. We use the term “next” a lot. I think it helps. It keeps us moving forward and keeps us from getting distracted from the task at hand.

This will be Rebecca’s third year lettering with the varsity squad. She is one of the few girls left on the team with first hand varsity experience. Wish her and her fellow teammates luck as they continue into their season and hopefully their winning streak.