Lady Panthers’ senior foursome savoring SLC title

Four Lady Panther seniors shared their thoughts on capturing a share of the Southern Lakes Conference title, but more work is ahead, when they face Fort Atkinson in the second round Feb. 26. Seniors are Ellie Turner, Sam Kirk, Teya Gaines and Olivia Klahs.
Four Lady Panther seniors shared their thoughts on capturing a share of the Southern Lakes Conference title, but more work is ahead, when they face Fort Atkinson in the second round Feb. 26.
Seniors are Ellie Turner, Sam Kirk, Teya Gaines and Olivia Klahs.

Growth, leadership help sustain recent success

By Jason Arndt
Staff Writer

Three Southern Lakes Conference titles in four years, that will be a memory four Lady Panther seniors can take with them, after they forge ahead into the WIAA Division 2 state tournament.

Wilmot Union High School won a share of the SLC title following a 58-41 defeat of visiting Burlington, tying with Union Grove at 12-2.

Coach Keiya Square has been impressed not only with the achievements of the four seniors – Sam Kirk, Olivia Klahs, Ellie Turner and Teya Gaines – but also their growth.

Kirk arrived as a freshman, while Klahs and Gaines as 3-year letter-winners, and Turner has been a varsity member the last two seasons.

“The growth on and off the court by all the seniors has been exciting to watch,” Square said. “Each one of them has had their own hardships and been able to continue to put forth the effort on the court to get them to where they are today.”

Kirk, a 5-foot-6 point guard, accumulated a school-record 189 assists and signed a National Letter of Intent with Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee.

The senior point guard’s leadership is what stood out in Square’s mind.

“It takes a special kind of player to have the goal to get her teammates involved in the game and not always by the person to score points,” he said.

Kirk, who scored 19 points against Burlington, said it is about team effort.

“The experience we have playing with each other helps our team cohesion,” Kirk said. “We know how we play and that helps the flow of our game a lot.”

Klahs said that Kirk “loves to pass the ball, maybe even too much.”

Turner noted Kirk’s adversity when she sat out two games earlier in the season due to illness.

“She was encouraging and continued to help despite her discomfort and that does not go unnoticed,” Turner said. “She is, without a doubt, the strongest leader on our team.”

Klahs, a 5-8 guard, credited for her versatility on the court, exhibits stellar shooting range and defense.

“She can score whenever she has the ball in her hands, whether it is driving to the basket, making a move and then scoring or shooting a deep shot,” Kirk said.

The versatile guard compiled six boards and two blocks against the Demons.

Klahs, who has known Kirk since they were 12 years old, said the title excited her.

“It’s an amazing feeling to be part of this program. We have been extremely successful over the past four years and I couldn’t ask to be a part of a better basketball program,” Klahs said.

Square noted Klahs’ agility as a recipe of success.

“She is the only player that I know of in the conference that can guard a 5 foot quick guard or a 5-10 guard/post,” Square said. “Her foot work and work ethic can’t be matched by many.”

A work ethic has allowed Turner, a former post player in her first two years, to remain a threat either in the paint or on the outside.

“Ellie is a hard nose player that will do whatever she can to have a positive impact for the team,” Square said.

“Ellie is a very dynamic player. She can play every position. In grade school she was a phenomenal post, and once she reached high school, she perfected her 3-point shot, and became a shooting guard,” Gaines said.

Turner spends an unlimited amount of time on the court, Square said.

Turner, at 5-8, said the win over Burlington was an indication of the squad’s strong bond.

“I am so proud to be part of a team to win three of the last four conference championships…I was given the opportunity to be a member of a tight knit family,” Turner said.

Gaines, meanwhile, has endured a trying season, coming off an ACL injury last year.

However, the 5-8 Gaines still had high spirits throughout the season, encouraging her teammates in practice and in games.

“Teya worked hard to get back and ready to go for her senior year,” Square said. “We weren’t sure what we would get out of her but she started the season out playing really well.”

“I learned not to take the sport for granted, because you never know what could happen to you,” Gaines said.

In addition to Square, the three other seniors noted her high energy and enthusiasm.

“Teya is someone we can count on to always bring energy to the court,” Kirk said. “And that’s a great trait to have as a player.”

“Teya Gaines is someone that I have really come to admire.” Turner said.

Gaines credits Square for giving her the strength to continue, noting a moment at the team’s banquet last year.

While the foursome’s season is not done yet, with a second round regional game slated for Friday, Square believes the squad has what it takes in the future.

“There is no doubt in my mind they will go on to do good things in their lives,” Square said.


Posted

in

by

Tags: