With the postseason approaching, Xavier’s varsity basketball team has entered a challenging part of the season. Practices now reflect the increased expectations that come with playoffs for basketball.
Although the intensity has increased as playoffs approach, the team’s preparation did not begin in the final games of the season. “We started preparing a long time ago. We don’t wait until the last minute. We’ve been preparing since we started practicing in August,” varsity head coach Jennifer Gillom said.
Presently the team is 10-6, but early in the season had a seven-game winning streak. That early success may help set the tone to prepare for the postseason.
Practices have shifted toward situational drills to practice game situations. Players are challenged to play under pressure at this time of year.
Gillom explained that the girls playing top teams in the 6A division for a majority of the regular season has prepared them to play in the playoffs. The skills the varsity Gators acquired will be used during the playoff season.
Film sessions have allowed the team to analyze both strengths and areas needing improvement. These meetings help players better understand opponents and their approach to the upcoming opponent. Vice principal of activities and athletics Sister Lynn Winsor said, “When you look at a team that’s getting ready for playoffs, you have to practice what the other team does.”
While not only getting the physical training, the team has had to learn how to work well with each other. “A majority of our team is made up of new starters, so we’ve had to adapt to each other’s playing styles in order to be successful,” said guard Logan Duncan ‘26.
While this team bonds on the court, they also found a way to bond off the court. “When you’re a member of a team whether you win or lose, you become friends for life and I think that’s the important part,” Winsor said.
Team chemistry continues to affect the team when playoffs are near. “We’re taking it one game at a time. It’s hard to look into the future, especially when we’re having such a roller coaster season but I know what this team is capable of. I think we can get deep into the playoffs and from there we see what happens,” Gillom said.
Earlier this season, the team faced a roster change after Noelle Bofia ‘26 left Xavier a year early to continue her basketball journey at the University of North Carolina. “Considering the curve ball we were thrown early on this year with our teammate Noelle leaving to play at UNC. We’re doing better than outside expectations predicted,” explained Duncan.
Although the adjustment required changes, the team stayed focused on long-term goals. This experience helped the players to learn adaptability.
Players now approach each practice with urgency. This mindset has elevated the team’s willingness to step up for each other.
While the team continues to put in extra practices in order to work as a team, individuals also take extra time. “In order to get ready for the playoffs, I have been spending weekends getting extra shots up and working on my game,” small forward and guard Sade Charles ‘26 said.
The team remains committed to finishing strong together this season. Unity and effort remain as the center of their goals this year. “I hope to see our spark really ignite. We’ve seen moments of it throughout the entire season whether we were winning or losing, so I’m really excited to see it come out,” forward Grace Cloud ‘26 said.
As playoffs begin, the girls varsity team is prepared to compete at a high level. There is a game tonight at Sunnyslope, and the last regular season game will take place February 11 against Millennium at Xavier.
