With girls basketball looking to win a ninth consecutive District title and advance to State, members of the team and the students are looking forward to the rest of the season and the many possibilities it might bring.

Senior Gina Riedell wants to finish the season strong and take advantage of the remaining opportunities she has.

“I’m looking forward to the challenges that the rest of the year may present,” Riedell said. “Hopefully that will include getting back to the Regional Finals and giving ourselves a chance to advance to State.”

After the success that the team had in the 2015-2016 school year, during which the varsity team  won an eighth consecutive District championship, the team has quickly become one of the more successful programs in the region.

Senior Lyric Robins, another member of the team, dismissed the idea that they felt any pressure to perform.

“Since the team’s season isn’t finished yet, I’m just looking forward to getting another chance to represent our school,” Robins said. “I learned early on that my personal goals need to relate to the goals that the team has put forth.”

While the focus is often on how they perform in the gym, both and believe that the lessons the players have learned during their time together have helped them not only on the court, but in their daily lives.

“As a team we should persevere through the hard times and stick together when we face challenges,” Riedell said. “All the values that we gain on the court translate and help us in a variety of settings outside the gym.”

Robins was quick to back up the points that his teammate made about the importance basketball has had in her life.

“Playing basketball has helped me become a better person and a hard worker,” Robins said. “It has also given me a chance to become a leader on and off the court.”

The team relies on the support of its faithful fans. One such fan, junior Sophie Moore, is excited for the upcoming end of the season.

“After watching some of the team’s games during my freshman year, I started to go to more games as they are extremely successful and the games are extremely fun to go to,” Moore said. “Since I’m now a student at West, I get to see a lot more of their games, which is great.”

Robins and Riedell believe that the school itself plays an important role in the team’s success on and off the court.

“Knowing my friends and family are in the stands cheering for me and my team motivates me to be my best,” Riedell said. “Getting to play the game I’ve always loved in front of such loud and supportive student body is just an added benefit for our team.”

Robins reaffirmed statements on the benefits of the team’s many fans.

“My favorite part about playing for my school is getting to represent Plano West and all it’s great students,” Robins said. “When you see everybody cheering you on it helps you play better and gives you that extra drive you that helps you reach your goals.”