By: Morgan Kolarik, Staff Writer

It’s was start of her first game of the season and she was ready to play. The referee asked everyone if they were ready, he blew his whistle and the game was off. Up and down the court Kelsey realized how much she missed basketball.


Kelsey Portwine, freshman, had been involved in basketball since she was in 5th grade. Kelsey started in the Salvation Army basketball program Marion offers, to kids in grade school. She played in this league up until 8th grade. Kelsey also played school ball in 7th and 8th grade.


Kelsey wasn’t planning on playing this year, because she didn’t thinks she was that into basketball. Coming to a freshman game and watching the players play changed her mind. “I wasn’t going to go out for basketball this year because I didn’t think it was really my thing, but then I went to one of the freshman games and I missed it so I talked to the coach and he let me join.” said Kelsey smiling. Kelsey now has a starting spot on the team for most games.


The coach for the freshman girl’s basketball team here at Marion is Mr. Messerli. He has been teaching at the school for over thirty years and has also coached quite a bit. Kelsey takes what he says seriously and enjoys having him as a coach. “Mr. Messerli is a great coach, and he is really funny. Practices are always fun.” laughed Kelsey.


The freshman team has 10 players, half who have little experience with the game. Some people might find that to be frustrating but Kelsey doesn’t mind. “I am friends with everyone on the team and we all get along very well so it’s not a big problem.” said Kelsey.


The girls haven’t lost too many games and its still early in the season. Kelsey thinks that the team will finish out the season with a decent record and they will improve next year. “I think so far the season has gone good. We haven’t lost too many and I think once the season goes on we will do better” said Kelsey.


As the game begins Kelsey is ready to play her best game yet. She dribbles up the court, fakes and shoots for the game winning point, and its good. The team is jumping up and down screaming Kelsey’s name. The season is finished on a good note.