Kiana Hankins
Sugar Beet staff reporter
The Lady Buffs are making their way through the season, being lead by varsity leading scorer Elyssa Salazar, health academy senior.
“The team has been great, we all work together and try to figure out each other’s roles on the court,” Salazar said. “The season has gone better than I expected it to be for myself.”
On Jan. 26 the team travelled to Newton, Kan. After losing their first game against Andover Central by 12 points and their second game against Newton by two points, the Lady Buffs turned around to win their final game of the weekend against Kapuan Mt. Carmel.
“The weekend games went great, no one thought Garden City could play, but we showed up and did what we’re supposed to,” Salazar said.
With a record of seven to six, the team has shown improvement since the first game of the season.
“I think our chemistry and understanding of defense has gotten better,” Matthew Pfeifer, head coach, said.
Through the rest of the season, Coach Pfeifer’s goals are to host a home playoff game in the first round and beat Dodge City on the road. With few seniors leaving the team this year, Coach Pfeifer is looking forward to the development of current players as they transition into bigger roles such as Julie Calzonetti, public service academy sophomore, who follows right behind Salazar as leading scorer. Keyhana Turner, health academy sophomore, who is one of the best defenders in the 6A WAC league, is another standout player this year. Even with a good team, there is always room for improvement.
“Something I can do to improve my playing is read the floor better,” Kitsely Franco, public service sophomore, said.
In addition to this, Salazar believes she could help improve the energy of the team.
“I could push others when we’re down more,” Salazar said. “It comes down to who wants it more and I think I think I need to improve that for the team.”
With games coming up against Great Bend, Dodge City and Hays, the Lady Buffs will begin preparing for sub-state which begins Feb. 27 and lasts through March 2.
“I feel great about how I’m playing because I’m playing for my best friend who is injured,” Salazar said. “I work hard and strive for every win.”
Kiana Hankins is an arts and communications sophomore. You can reach her at hankinsk@student.gckschools.com.
Garden City High School 