The De Soto High School girls’ basketball team has been doing well in past seasons and a few seniors have been setting goals. This year, four seniors plan on leaving everything they have out on the court as they go their separate ways to pursue their careers.

Head coach Ryan Robie has high aspirations and goals for the girls this year.

“We want to do really well this year.  We want to win league. We feel that we have a good chance at competing for a league title this year. We are really looking to play our best in late February, early March,” Robie said.

Setting personal goals help players aim for reaching the end goal, or goals, that are important to them. 

“My individual goals are to be more vocal, to create more shots for others and to also play lockdown defense on the other team’s star players. It’s very fun playing with a great group of ladies that want to accomplish the same goals,” said varsity shooting guard and senior Jordan Diehl.

In Robie’s eyes, Diehl has brought a lot of energy to the team in her past four years of playing for the DHS team.

“Jordan provides a high level of athleticism. She is a great shooter, and she keeps things light on the court. She brings a lot of great energy to our program,” Robie said.

Senior varsity player and point guard LaMyah Ricks has been playing basketball for 12 years and has a passion for the game. 

“My favorite part about playing basketball is having my closest friends with me and the season being four months long. I want to know that I did everything I could to help my team win and get to where we want to go,” Ricks said.

Robie has coached Ricks for four years in high school and values her dedication to the sport.

“LaMyah is one of the toughest kids I have ever coached. She has a desire like nobody else to just win. She is a winner. She is very reliable as a teammate and as a point guard,” Robie said.

When working on communication and striving towards success as a team, considering team compatibility is crucial.

 “I think our team will work extremely well because we are all pretty close and we have always had great team chemistry right away. We are always picking each other up and holding each other accountable,” Diehl said.

When playing on a team for four years, impressions are made on coaches and teammates.

“I want to be a good role model for the underclassmen and be someone they can reach out to even though I won’t be on the team next year,” Ricks said.