The Lady Oakies basketball team is not only excited to begin the season this year, but also that first year head coach Joel Pabon is here to bring positive change to the team.

Pabon has experience as a previous girls varsity assistant coach and as a boys junior varsity coach. Junior Leah Isreal likes the new coach.

She says that he brings “A faster pace of game tempo, more unity to the team, and more structured and disciplined practices.”

The team is composed of five seniors who are ready to lead them to a winning season. The girls will play in the Winnetonka Tournament in early December and hope to come out on top. They also play in the Grain Valley Tournament and host a tournament at home as well.

Senior Maria Cerv said goals for the season were, “Definitely to win conference.”

The ladies also engage in some exciting team bonding as well. They have team dinners and team sleepovers, and are even thinking about competing in the first ever Platinum Beard.

Coach Kisner is also new to the coaching staff this year. She played basketball in college and is known to bring lots of energy to practice and games.

Israel said, “She has good advice and connects well with all the players and pushes us to be our best.”

The Lady Oakies are expecting a really good season so buy some popcorn, sit tight in the lumberyard, and come out and support the girls!