By BUTCH HARMON
As the high school basketball season reached the halfway point, the Williamston girls basketball team had proven that it can play with anyone in the state.
The Hornets opened the season by winning 10 of their first 11 games. Among the wins was one over a Haslett team that entered the game undefeated and ranked No. 1 in the state in Class B.
Hard work and a good team chemistry have been the keys to success for Williamston this season. “We are fortunate to have a good group of girls who come to practice every day and work hard,” said coach Pete Cool. “We also have outstanding team chemistry.”
Senior forward Sarah Schultz and junior guard Renee Sturm anchor this year’s team. Both are returning starters and team captains this year.
“We have 10 girls on this year’s team, and all find a way to contribute,” Cool said.
Senior forward Jessica Lycos, freshman forward Allison Peplowski, and freshman guard Maddie Watters round out the starting lineup for the Hornets.
Providing strong play off the bench have been senior guard Paige Dutcher, sophomore guard Halle Wisbiski, junior forward Grace Kraft, sophomore guard Elana Lycos, and junior forward Maddy Martin.
As the season heads into the homestretch, the Hornets will be looking to clinch the CAAC White title and then to begin the state tournament, where they will face Haslett in the first game of the district tournament. “We have some more regular season games to prepare for it,” Cool said. “We drew Haslett in the first round, and obviously they are an incredible team with many solid ball players.”