During the week of Feb. 21, the Eagle High varsity women’s basketball team had a rigorous battle against the Middleton Vikings with an ending score of 57-48. The Eagle Mustangs ended up receiving the State Championship title and took home the banner that hangs proudly above the students of Eagle High, reminding them of their accomplishment.
Senior Peyten Taylor shares her experiences as she reflected on her fourth year on the team. The chemistry that the women’s basketball team has made is truly one of a kind and contributed to their strong season this year.
“We do practices where we learn other team’s offensive and defenses to counter that on them,” said Taylor.
“Off the court, we usually just prioritize what we eat and making sure we’re sleeping well and maintaining healthy habits,” Taylor said.
Practice and games were essential to the team leading up to their state victory. The girls won multiple games and lost only a few at the beginning of the season.
“At the beginning, it was kind of taking one game at a time, just trying to stay locked in, and honestly, it was a blur,” Taylor said.
“Being in the championship and then finally winning was a crazy experience, especially as a senior,” Taylor said. She explains her experience dealing with the pressure and stress of multiple state games.
An athlete’s mentality is a key factor in how they express themselves in their sport. The varsity girls’ basketball team knows this, especially being the State Champions of Idaho. Taylor explained her experience dealing with the pressure and stress of multiple state games.
“Anticipation, a little bit of stress, but also nervousness and excitement. When you play the game then end up winning, the feeling afterwards is just pure disbelief,” Taylor said.
This group of athletes strived to make sure every player is supported on the court, whether it’s by encouraging them from the bench or making sure that every pass and movement is made with purpose.
“I think mentality is a big part of sports. And I think if we didn’t come into it as trying to take it as just another game, I feel like the pressure would have gotten to us,” Taylor said.
But at the end of the game, the team did not fail to truly represent the best of Eagle High’s varsity women’s basketball. The legacy that the athletes left behind will affect future generations, and hopefully lead Eagle High to be known for a victorious women’s basketball team.
