As if a senior-less roster was not enough of an obstacle, the girls basketball team (0-4) was forced to deal with early season injuries to both starting junior point guard Catherine Madden and freshman forward Claire Cohen. Along with inexperience and lack of size, these injuries give the Lady Wildcats plenty of hurdles to overcome this season. Still, the team hopes that though young, they can rise to the occasion and find success.

“We have a lot of new players and we need to introduce them to varsity style play of basketball,” said Madden. “We are going to need everyone to start scoring every game.”

Starting at point guard in place of the injured Madden is sophomore Anna Bosse, who won the Maryland State Championship in cross country this fall. Bosse will be essential in leading the team to a turnaround this season.

“I enjoy playing point guard. It’s not too much pressure so far,” she said. “But I have to pay attention and focus on what plays I need to call.”

Just a sophomore, forward Sarah Howie leads the team in scoring, threatening teams with both her shooting range and ability to drive to the basket. Howie has not been fazed by the challenge of taking on a leadership role.

“I am going to have to be a team leader,” she said. “But then again, since we have no seniors, everyone is going to have to be a team leader.”

Another integral member of the team is junior forward Roya Hakimzadeh, one of the only players tall enough to be a post presence. As a captain, Hakimzadeh takes on a new roll this season.

“There is more pressure on me because we have so few players returning, I have to make sure everyone is up to speed and make sure we understand the plays,” she said. “I want to make sure I set a good example for everyone.”

Though there are many obstacles to be overcome, coach Lynn Poznanski sees potential in her team.

“The season is off to a rough start with us losing four players,” she said. “WJ is a battling school so we are fighting and not giving up.”