Every few years, teams may have talented freshmen enter high school. Freshmen that have excelled past their peers and are tremendously athletic, ready and eager to play varsity. This year though, the girls basketball team does not have one or two contributing freshmen, they have a multitude of girls that play and contribute significantly in games.

With senior Else DiGiacopo out with a season-ending knee injury incurred during the second round of the county tournament, it is now the perfect time for the Class of 2018 to step up and maintain dominance on the court that will continue for years to come.

Coach Jeff Jasper says that the group “already posses a court presence,” something that is very hard to do when an athlete is the youngest person competing for a playing spot on a team that carries as much tradition as the PV girls basketball team.

Kelly Petro has been a core contributor to the team. She has started in just about every game the entire season so far. Petro believes that she has not only grown tough physically as an athlete, playing against girls much older and bigger than her, but mentally as well.

“As this year has gone on I’ve been able to hold my own,” she said.

Mental toughness is an essential characteristic developed by Jasper’s athletes, given his tough coaching style and demand on his athletes.

Kelly Smith, who is currently out with a shoulder injury, said that this year is not just about bettering herself on the court, but like Petro, growing mentally as well. Smith had locked in a starting position on the team before her shoulder injury.

“I’ve learned so much about the ‘mental game’ from coach Jasper,” said Smith.

Other freshmen have also earned key spots on the team, including Lindsay Rohde and Izzy Bussanich. All have not only cited Jasper as a contributor to their growth, but also, the older members of the team who have guided them through this transition that takes a toll even if you are not playing a varsity sport.

“Being the youngest amongst so many people gives you so many amazing girls to look up to. It’s like being apart of a family,” said Rohde.

Smith agreed, adding “[The upperclassmen] have been so supportive sharing what they have learned from multiple seasons, making it easy to be passionate and energized on the court.”

And it is good examples from the upperclassmen that help to develop and become leaders on the team. It’s a chain reaction, a good group of upperclassmen can help to fuel the fire to make an even better team.