In the orange and blue gymnasium with energy that felt electric, fans from both sides filled the stands, but all eyes were on one moment that would make career history. Sidney Butera, junior, created space with a smooth deep step back three-pointer to surpass 1000 career points. The crowd erupted, teammates cheered, friends held posters, coaches hugged, and Sidney smiled, cementing her name in the basketball record books in an unforgettable battle. 

“I was one point away going into the game, so I knew I was going to get it on my first basket, and I just tried to get it over with. So when my first shot went in, we took a break to celebrate,” Butera said.

Going into the season with a goal to surpass 1000 career points, Sidney trained with Joe Garner, personal coach and trainer, practicing her jump shots, working on ball control, and building endurance to achieve the goal she had always dreamed of. 

“Reaching 1000 points is something I’ve always wanted to do ever since I was young and watching other people do it. It was always a goal of mine,” Butera said. 

Butera focused on having a good mindset that built determination and discipline and on allowing herself to make mistakes to reach the big goals she wanted to achieve. She worked on changing the way she looked at things and moving on to the next play.

“ I had to improve my emotions, you know. If I miss, don’t let it get to me, having a ‘next try’ mentality,” Butera said. 

Strongsville had a strong team, which played a huge role in helping Butera reach her 1000 points, because they pushed her to be the best player she could be every single day. Teammates held each other accountable when they needed to. The team created a competitive but supportive environment that made everyone improve together instead of working individually. 

“My team has definitely been my biggest support system. They pick me up after I miss, and obviously, they passed me the ball, so I wouldn’t have been able to score without them,” Butera said. “My next goal is definitely to be the all-time leading scorer.”

Girl’s basketball is a team sport where everyone’s success depends on every player working together. Even though Butera may have scored most of the points this season, it took five players on the court to create that opportunity for her. Basketball is about building trust and chemistry with your teammates to create teamwork. Butera’s individual talent mattered a lot, but teamwork mattered most. 

“This team is very special to play with because of the chemistry, and when we play better teams, we’re always cheering each other on and talking to each other through each and every play,” Elle Lasley, freshman, said. 

Strongsville basketball included many girls who played both JV and varsity, which took an incredible level of dedication, maturity, and skill.

Going between two different teams meant adjusting to the speed of the game, different leadership roles, and different expectations. When playing JV dual players took on leadership roles, and while varsity they competed at a higher intensity and pushed themselves against stronger competition. Playing at both of these levels helped girls build confidence, endurance, and a strong understanding of the game. 

“Playing both JV and varsity is fun, but it is also hard because JV is more of a slower pace and varsity is quicker and there is a lot more pressure,” Kaylee Vogt, sophomore, said. “Playing both levels helped me become more of a diverse player.”

The difference between JV and varsity is typically the speed of the game, but also the intensity. JV is typically full of younger girls who are still developing and learning the speed and fundamentals of the game, whereas varsity is the highest level of competition. Typically varsity players are experienced, the game is faster, and even more physical.

Playing on both teams requires teamwork and dedication. 

“Playing both JV and varsity has helped me show the coaches that I can handle playing at two different levels,” Elle Lasley, sophomore, said. “I adjust to the faster speed of the game when playing varsity.”

The varsity team was a young growing team, but the few seniors played big leadership roles.

Seniors had the most experience on the team, so they understood what it took to be on a succeeding team. Leadership also meant holding others accountable while also pushing themselves to do their best. 

“I lead my team by always supporting and cheering for them and uplifting them when they need it,” Stacey Mraz, senior, said. “Advice I would give to people in younger grades would be to not be afraid to make mistakes and just play as hard as you can every single practice and game.” 

The girls basketball team had a successful season going 18-6. Strongsville was ranked #103 in Ohio and #23 in Ohio Division 1. Strongsville came second in the GCC. Butera was leading scorer, averaging 26.3 points per game and led the team in rebounds, assists, blocks, steals, and free throws. 

Next season the team is collectively hoping to come first in the GCC and win States. Players are continuing to stay committed in the off season with a limited practice schedule.