The OPRF Girls’ Basketball team broke a six-game streak of losses with a confident 55-32 victory on Dec. 9 against Proviso West. Notably, Freshman Katara Watson led the Huskies with 35 points, single-handedly outscoring the Panthers. One of the standout moments from her performance was an almost full-court buzzer-beater to end the half. 

Coaches and players are optimistic about the progress made to start the season and feel confident about the upcoming stretch of games, despite early uncertainties. Head coach Renee Brantley said, “We’re building right now, just trying to find our identity.” That identity will be anchored in “our defense, our intensity, and our togetherness.” 

Junior guard Taryn Draine agreed, saying, “We’re just getting used to playing with each other and figuring out what everybody’s role is on the team.” In what Brantley describes as “the toughest conference in the state,” solidifying their identity and finding their rhythm will likely require time and adjustment. 

Senior guard Gabriella Chesney said that defense has played a crucial role in some of the tough match-ups early on: “The defense is really what keeps us in the games.” Echoing Brantley, Chesney said, “Defense has always been our strength; I think it’s what defines us.”

This season, the Huskies have benefitted from a strong core of returning players led by senior captains Chesney and Tavia Allen, along with seniors Ameina Johnson and Elianna Brucato. Returning juniors include Taryn Draine and Marie Spencer. 

Chesney said the familiarity of the team has allowed them to build chemistry. “I’d say our chemistry this year is really good; we’re really trying to focus on supporting each other to build that confidence.” The team is also complemented by the addition of Watson, who has made a profound impact in the early stages. Chesney, her senior captain, said that Watson has “really helped our offense come to a new level.” 

The Huskies have also been helped by changes on the sideline. Two new assistant coaches, Jessica Clanton and Otis Scarver, have joined the program in the offseason. Brantley said, “They’ve been amazing; their knowledge and all that they bring to the game has been very helpful for our program.” 

Chesney also said she valued the addition of the new staff. “It’s always helpful to hear different perspectives. And have different support systems to go to.” Draine also said that the assistant coaches have helped in pregame preparations. “He provides his office for us to go in and watch film as a team.” 

Looking ahead, the Huskies will be eager to take opportunities to improve their record and build consistency. Brantley said that the key to reaching their potential is  “competition and repetition” in practice. 

Beyond the ways they can improve collectively, Chesney and Draine outline the ways that they hope to make the biggest impact as individuals. Chesney said, “I try to work on facilitating the plays and communicating with my teammates to try to get work as a team rather than individuals.” 

Draine also shared the desire for growth. “Obviously, I want to put up more points, but also, I want to do better defensively and off the board, I want to get a lot more rebounds.” With leaders committed to elevating their play and the team’s cohesion, the Huskies believe that progress is within reach. 

Beyond the goals on the court, the OPRF Girls’ Basketball program is about more than results. Brantley says that her priority is to shape who her players become, saying, “Basketball is important, but I care more about who they are as individuals on and off the court.” 

Her players share the same sense of purpose. “I want to leave behind the idea that basketball is a game played by a team and not a group of individuals,” said Chesney. 

Draine, reflecting on her personal development, says that she credits the OPRF environment for allowing her to “grow as a leader,” be more vocal, and “be a positive example for everyone on the team.” Their perspectives reflect a program that understands the value of improvement beyond the scoreboard. With that foundation, the Huskies remain eager to push for more wins on the court.