The Naperville North girls basketball team successfully completed their senior night on Tuesday by beating Waubonsie Valley. 

The Huskies (27-2) beat the Warriors (14-13) with a final score of 68-44, adding another win to their 14 game win streak. 

The start of the game was close between the Huskies and Warriors. The Warriors fought through the Huskies’ zone defense, while the Huskies had trouble scoring outside the paint. Going into the second half, the Huskies started to build momentum. After getting in their groove, the Huskies quickened their passes and started to create more shooting opportunities, quickly gaining a big lead. 

Here are the three takeaways:

1) The Huskies had a heartfelt senior night

The Naperville North girls basketball team doesn’t take senior night lightly. As spectators stepped into the gym, they were met with streamers and posters celebrating each senior.  

Before the game started, the seniors walked, alongside their parents, through an arch of balloons and down the court as their future plans were announced. Head Coach Erin Colletti then read a touching speech dedicated to the seniors. She expressed how proud she is to have coached seniors with such great leadership skills, and attitudes. Sarah Crossett, a senior who has played on Varsity all four years, shares her attitude towards finally having a senior night.  

“I was so grateful for the coaches, staff and underclassmen for making Senior night so special for us. It was a great way to culminate an impressive season so far, and overall, an amazing four years at North,” Crossett said.  

2) The Huskies’ unified team dynamic contributed to their win

A powerful team bond can lead to players being efficient on the court and supporting each other off the court. The girls basketball team has a team dynamic that continuously leads them to making smart choices throughout the game. Junior Layla Henderson commented on how her team’s energy affects her playing.

“We can learn something from everyone. From our seniors, we have learned how to be good teammates,” Henderson said. 

Henderson hopes to fill the seniors’ shoes, stepping up and being good role models for the younger grades.

“I will miss them and I love them,” Henderson said regarding the seniors who have made such a big impact on their team dynamic.  

Through regular pasta parties and team bonding, the Huskies have taken what it means to be a team to a different level. Senior Kenzie Hare explained how the team dynamic compares to her past teams. 

“This team is more close-knit and we work super well together. I think we have a deeper connection. We all love each other and we hang out all the time, on and off the court,” Hare said. 

3) Colletti is optimistic about what the future holds for her team

Currently, the Huskies are ranked third in Illinois, which leads to the rising excitement of the players as their DVC conference games are ending and they will have the opportunity to advance in the state conference. Colletti shared her hopes as her team heads into the playoffs, emphasizing the importance of preparing individually for each team they play.

“We have goals to go to state, but we have to play one game at a time and not think too far ahead,” Colletti said.