With December coming to an end and everyone celebrating the beginning of a new year, Lausanne head coach Marvis Davis turned his focus to the calendar hanging in his office.
He knew January meant that February was rapidly approaching and that meant that the postseason was at hand.
The Lynx had spent most of December away from The Lair, playing in holiday tournaments and against regional powerhouses before district play got underway.
"Playing a tough pre-district schedule always helps to prepare us for an opportunity to win the district championship," Davis said.
When Lausanne takes the court, eyes are immediately drawn to Moussa Cisse '21. At 6'11, it is hard not to notice him. However, this Lynx team was primed to make a deep run into the playoffs even before Cisse arrived on campus.
"We’ve always had a special group of seniors that have played for each other. It also helps when they are as talented as they are," Davis said.
A short walk down the hall and you will find head coach Lesa Mears in her office. As she looks back on the season so far she is left to wonder, "what if?"
She had also built an early season schedule that was filled with tough games that were to prepare her team for a strong district run.
What she had not planned on was the turnover her roster would have to withstand.
"I am extremely proud of this young team. With only one returning starter from last years' team and five ladies playing their first year of varsity basketball, this group has been grinding since November to get better each day. Kayla Pointer '20, the lone senior starter has provided much-needed leadership for this young team. Mya Campbell '22 leads the team in scoring and rebounding," Mears said.
The tribulations have yielded rewards, however. New players have emerged as team leaders and Coach Mears is excited about the future of this Lady Lynx basketball team.
"Lucy Fisher '23, Curea Cunningham '23 and Abby Hough '23 are going to be fun to watch as they lead the Lady Lynx for the next 3 years," Mears said.
Besides, in postseason basketball...anything is possible.
"This time of year isn't about your win-loss record. Every team enters the postseason tournament with an opportunity to survive and advance," Mears said. "Losing our point guard and leading scorer has been tough, but I believe in these girls and I'm proud of how hard they have worked to come together."
With three weeks of district games remaining, the Lady Lynx are still in the hunt for a third or fourth seed.
"Early season games against much larger schools will have us ready to make a run!" Mears said.
"We are looking forward to a great fan environment for the remainder of our home schedule," Mears said. "Our students have been amazing all season and the added support they have provided our student-athletes has been phenomenal."
With only a handful of games between now and the start of the postseason, both teams realize the importance of maximizing each moment and capitalizing on the opportunities that lay before them.
"We just want to keep getting better every day, every practice and every game," Davis said.
#LetsGoLynx #BeGreat