by As the nets came down, the tears flowed and the crowd roared, one common theme remained true in Westlake last night, FAMILY!
This team is truly a family, from the coaches to the players to the community around them, the battle cry hasn’t changed. They truly are 12 playing as one and the results have proven that.
From the head coach running into the stands to hug her family, to parents in the crowd storming the court for a net cutting down celebration, it is hard not to be moved by their spirit.
It started over Christmas break with a life changing trip for the team to Tampa Bay. While others rested, they played against the toughest competition the State of Florida had to offer. They came back from that trip driven, hungry, bruised and better!
Perhaps even bigger than their team orientated spirit is their ability to always stay composed.
When Olmsted Falls led all game and covered a possible game winning shot by Emma Hall, they found an open Gina Adams who sunk it for the win.
When Avon Lake led 12-4 moments into the game, they remained composed and dominated from that point forward with shut down defense by Abby Carrington and several others.
When Berea-Midpark got red hot and took them to overtime on senior night, they never blinked, remained composed and brought home the victory.
After leading by 19 in Avon, and enduring a late run to shrink the lead to 4, they shook it off and won by double digits. With Katie Whitesell and Abbie Gardner playing with the heart and soul that has made them the best Sophomore combination in the SWC.
When the ball didn’t bounce right last night against Amherst, the timeouts weren’t recognized and the calls were just a smidge “interesting”, they didn’t get rattled and brought home the title. Stephanie Randar channeling her inner David Robinson and shutting down Amaya Staton.
It is hard not to be moved by this team, the way they play, the way they support each other and the clear love shown for one another. In a time where kids need inspiration, look no further than the Westlake Lady Demons.
From a coach who came back home and in less than two seasons has this team on the cusp of a State Title run, to one dramatic win after another, this squad has storybook written all over them!
Again, it comes down to family. When a team, a coaching staff and an entire community becomes a family, it makes good talent great. It makes a strong team unstoppable. It makes a shot at a championship, destiny!
They play again next Thursday against the winner of Elyria and Lorain. Block off the rest of your schedule, and make sure to be there. Need inspiration? Need a reason to believe? Show up Thursday night and you will be inspired.
