Sumner Hill Women’s Basketball Off to a Hot Start to Begin the Season
By Charlie Rook
Photo Credit: Clinton Basketball
The ladies of Sumner Hill have jumped out to an impressive 6-1 record to begin their season. The 9th grade team looks to continue their opening momentum all the way to the playoffs in January.
The junior high team, composed entirely of ninth graders, has had a strong start to the season, and while Head Coach Nikita Mitchell has found success with the rotations early on, she chops down the successful start to something else. “There are some rotations that work better than others; however, all players are able to connect with each other on and off the court,” said Mitchell. “It is truly about family and that is our core.”
For a lot of these players, this team will be a stepping stone to becoming a part of the varsity squad in the years to come. To Coach Mitchell, one of the most important parts of coaching, is to prepare the ladies for that next step. “ My mission is to have as many of our girls adopt the program’s culture and be prepared for the next level of competition (varsity).”
The length of a high school basketball season takes a toll on several athletes, each team faces highs and lows throughout the winter months. That’s why Coach Mitchell has several factors that determine a good season, not simply the record that will go down in the history books. “My vision of a good basketball season, regardless of the final record, would be defined by a number of factors that include efficiency, performance, a healthy development of life skills such as resilience, determination, and other essential life skills.”
Photo Credit: Clinton Basketball
Coaching junior high offers a unique set of positives and challenges for both the players, and the coaches. Coach Mitchell spoke to the positives, and challenges on the coaching side. “I am truly grateful for the ability to serve the Clinton Public Schools District,” said Mitchell. “Coaching junior high students offers positives like developing life skills such as confidence and resilience, fostering social and emotional growth, and enjoying the personal satisfaction of seeing students progress. Challenges include managing diverse personalities and skill levels, dealing with difficult interactions and the emotional and time demands of the role.”
Winning basketball games is a byproduct of buying into a program, which is what Coach Mitchell believes this team has done so well. On a talented team it’s difficult to keep everyone involved and happy, but the Sumner Hill squad has bought into the culture and are seeing winning results. “This year’s team is really special,” said Mitchell. “ The ladies are hard-workers and eager to learn and earning and developing is the name of the game. Coach Fairley’s culture for the program is unique for a number of reasons but the girls being able to interact with the varsity coaching staff on different occasions truly foster a family like culture.”
The Lady Arrows look to continue winning ways this week, after their hot 6-1 start.
