The Marian Catholic girls basketball team enters the 2024-2025 season with high expectations, a talented core of upperclassmen, and the benefit of continuity. With Head Coach Dan Murray at the helm, the team is aiming for a deep postseason run, driven by a roster full of experienced players and renewed focus on communication and teamwork.
Strong Core of Upperclassmen
The team’s leadership group is led by seniors Gracie Jensen, Alainna Poisson, Taylor Bolton, and LaParis Poe, who bring years of experience to the court. Junior Ty Jackson, who played a significant role last season, is also primed for a standout year as a key contributor.
Jensen, who has been a cornerstone of the team, emphasized the importance of sticking together as a unit. “We could be really good if we just stick together and play together,” said Jensen, who added that this season will be about making the most of their final year as upperclassmen. “Just to try and have fun as much as we can because we’re all upperclassmen, so it’s gonna go by faster than we know it.”
Veteran Leadership and Team Cohesion
The team has most of its starting lineup returning, which has bolstered confidence heading into the new season. Jackson, a junior guard, believes the team is poised for success, noting that their maturity and experience give them a competitive edge. “I think we can be really good, seeing that we have pretty much everybody returning except for one starter from last year,” Jackson said. “We have a lot of experience, we’re a really mature team, so I think we’ll go really far this year.”
The squad also feels more cohesive this season. Poisson, the team’s point guard, highlighted the team’s strong camaraderie and belief in each other. “I think we do have a really strong bond,” she said. “Our camaraderie is one of the best I’ve seen in other teams. We really appreciate each other, stick up for each other, and come together as a team.”
Focus on Improvement
Despite the team’s success last season, there are areas they’re eager to improve. Jackson pointed out that communication was a key factor that held the team back last year. “We didn’t communicate as well last year as I think we’re going to communicate this year,” she said. “We’re way more experienced and mature now, so I think that’ll help us a lot.”
For Poe, the offseason was an opportunity to diversify her game. Known for her catch-and-shoot ability and strong defensive presence, Poe has worked hard to expand her offensive skill set. “I definitely worked on different aspects of my game,” Poe said. “In previous years, I was just a catch-and-shoot player, but I’ve worked on being more of an offensive threat off the ball. This year, I feel like I have more freedom to move around.”
Experienced Players, Ready for a Challenge
Bolton, a versatile guard who can also play forward, shared her confidence in the team’s preparedness. “All five of us have been on the big stage before, so we know the expectations,” Bolton said. “We’re more mature now, and we know what the experience is going to be like. I feel like we’re ready.”
With a blend of talent, experience, and leadership, the Marian Catholic girls basketball team looks set to challenge for a title this season. Coach Murray believes that if the team stays focused on communication and teamwork, they can achieve their goals. “We’ve got the tools to make a deep run,” he said. “Now it’s all about executing when it counts.”
With their strong leadership, unity, and maturity, the Marian Catholic girls basketball team is poised for a successful season—and with a little bit of luck, a shot at a state title.