Making a return this year is the girls freshman basketball team—a team that historically hasn’t been featured at FHC in a long time. With a seven-player roster, the team hopes to shatter doubts about its durability over the course of a whole winter season.

The unexpected return of the girls freshman team does bring about a problem for the team that sticks out like a sore thumb. The Rangers’ roster only includes seven players. Many people thought that maybe the players should all be pulled up, but nonetheless, the team will battle this season short-staffed.

To begin the season, the Rangers took on South Christian High School. Unfortunately for the Rangers, they lost a barn burner in a game that would surely give insight into the rest of the season. 

While the final score showed Rangers 30, Sailors 34, the game was much more exciting. As a double-overtime contest, it was longer-lasting than anyone had expected; the Rangers’ ability to stay in the game for that long with such a constrictive roster was nothing short of impressive.

Some bright spots on the team included Addison Reuter, who had six points, and a solid showing from the bench, with Anna Krampe, Elly Teliczan, Addyson Casten, and Mackenzie Mayo all adding on two points each.

However, the most impressive performance came from Mia Stibitz, who had an opening game to remember. Mia definitely made a statement right out the bat by putting up 16 points, including a late-game three-pointer to tie the ball game up at 30 apiece.

On Tuesday, December 7, the Rangers will take on Mona Shores at home in the new gym. After an impressive nail-biter in week one, the girls certainly will have everyone on the edge of their seats for this matchup.

“Losing in overtime is hard for a first game, but I am confident these girls will learn from this and come to practice ready to work hard for our next game against Mona Shores,” head coach Jessica Tornow said.