Whitehall girls team finishes undefeated

It was quite the season for the nine girls on the Whitehall Elementary girls basketball team.

The team recently wrapped up their season with a perfect record in the Butte Elementary 5th grade Basketball League.

The team was led by fifth graders Lindsay Briggs, Ellis Mastel, and Charity Nieskens. Fourth graders on the team were Hope Nieskens, Kari Ellison, Lainey Ellison, Maddi Seccomb and Hope Moriarty. Third-grader Julia Hoagland was also on the team. Gina Ossello and Kelly Nieskens coached the team.

"The three fifth graders dominated the court every game and all the younger girls scored at least two baskets in the season," Ossello said. "I have not seen a girls elementary team play together as a team like this group of girls."

Ossello said the team had by far the best defense in the league, scored in double digits every game, when they got on the court, they were there to play basketball.

"It didn't matter if it was in the game or at practice, they always gave 100 percent," Ossello said.

Despite only having three fifth graders, Ossello said the older girls were a positive influence on the younger members of the team, and always helped them during the games.

Looking to the future, Ossello is eager to watching their progress.

"They will be tough to beat. The future is bright for Lady Trojan basketball," she said.