By Cooper Chadwick
Last year senior guard Havana Olander averaged 10.2 points per game as well as four rebounds which earned her first team all-league and second team all-state.
Little River’s finish last year is Olander’s and her team’s main motivation for this season.
“We have gotten second and fallen short the last two years. For five of us, it is our last chance to take home a championship and finish the season on a high note. We try not to dwell on our losses, but use them as motivation for the season to come,” Olander said.
Olander believes her and the Redskins have a good chance for another deep playoff run.
“We are returning almost everyone from last year and are gaining some very talented freshmen. We are all very blessed to have each other and everyone gets along really well,” Olander said. “Our main team goal is to win state.”
This off-season Olander spent a lot of time with her teammates focusing on getting better and building the chemistry between her and her teammates.
“During the summer, we had basketball skills along with games during the week in June. We also played in a few tournaments, and this gave us the chance to play some very talented teams. I think one of the biggest training components is our weights program. We lifted three days a week during the summer, and five days a week now that school has started. This has helped me become stronger and faster for the season,” Olander said.
