Frederick Girls Basketball in Midst of Five Game Winning Streak

Frederick girls basketball is off to a great start this season. The team is sporting an 11-3 overall record mark and has been playing at a high level of late, winning five straight games. Even though the team already has double digit wins this season, head coach Ashley Bush doesn't want her team to focus on it too much.

For Bush, the start of the season is about her players figuring out how to play together as a team, not wins and losses.

"Our record is not important to us," Bush said. "I would describe the start of our season as just that- the beginning of a long journey. We are finding out things about ourselves, learning what our strengths are on the court and working on some of the areas that we need to improve on."

Based off the results thus far though, there doesn't appear to be too much for the Cadets to work on. The team is a blend of veterans and youth, with a roster comprised of six seniors, three juniors, two sophomores and a freshman.

One key for the Cadets' good start has been how younger players have been able to make impacts.

"We have a good balance and what's great about our team is that our younger players don't play as if they're young. They play with a lot of poise," Bush said.

The team's strength has been their stingy defense. The Cadets are allowing a measly 40 points a game, as well as forcing a little under 10 steals a game. Makayla Daniels has led the way on that front, registering 2.4 steals per game.

Daniels is also the team's focal point on offense as well, leading the team with an average of 12.2 points per game. Right behind her is Dajah Gee, who is averaging 11.6 points per game. Gee has been excellent from beyond the arc, hitting 37% of her shots. Andrea Mwando rounds out the team's top three attack, averaging 11.3 points. Mwando has also been effective from three point range, converting 15 attempts to lead the team.

Despite having a three headed monster on offense, Bush believes her team's success has been because of the whole team's ability to play.

"Our success thus far has been because of a true team effort," Bush said. "We understand that everyone has a job and that we all must do our job in order to reach our goals."

Looking ahead, the Cadets are hoping to make some serious noise in the postseason. Bush has outlined winning the inaugural CMC championship as a realistic target, as well as a regional and state championship.

More than anything though, Bush wants her players to use the sport of basketball to learn lessons about life. Being successful in that realm is more important than wins on the court.

"Off the court, I want my players to become better people, plain and simple," Bush said. "That would make me happy and make it all worth it."