Lady Patriots focus on conditioning for upcoming basketball season

WEST ISHPEMING — The Westwood girls basketball team wanted to be better this upcoming season, so they focused on running…a lot.

The Patriots had a rigorous off–season conditioning program that they felt would allow them to be able to turn those tough losses into close wins.

“It’s been awful, but hard work really pays off in the season. We push really hard in the summer and we’re looking forward to see it pay off in the season,” said forward Elizabeth Farley.

“We didn’t enjoy last year. It wasn’t fun only winning five basketball games. Some of this off–season conditioning was sparked by having such a poor season last year. These girls, they are ready for Friday. They are ready to compete this year,” head coach Kurt Corcoran said.

Westwood finished fifth in the Mid–Pen Conference last season and they know what must be done for them to reach the upper echelon of the MPC.

“In order for us to have a deep run this year, we are going to have to execute offensively, defensively, make free throws and our shooting percentage has to be better. We have to handle the ball better. Last year we dug ourselves a lot of holes early and we were not talented enough to dig ourselves out of those holes. That going to be the key, getting out of the gates early, playing with some confidence and really, it comes down to making some shots,” said Corcoran.

The Patriots will open the season at Kingsford Friday night.