The 2021 Big Lake girls basketball season kicked off this Friday at Chisago Lakes. The Hornets have a new coach at the helm, newcomer Reyan Robinson — a former Becker Bulldog star and SCSU cager.
With COVID-19 hanging over their heads, the season’s practices and games will have a whole new look to them.
“It is going to be different but we are just so thankful to be back on the court together and will try and make the most of it,” said Robinson of the mask mandate.
Does she worry about their health?
“With basketball being such an endurance sport, the obvious concern is about their breathing,” Robinson said. “Especially those with asthma already. We have already talked as coaches, and it’s just going to be another thing we are aware of and make sure the kids’ health and wellbeing are taken care of before anything else.”
Though Robinson doesn’t see a shortage of players this season due to the restrictions, she understands how some kids may have changed their minds about joining the club because of the fear associated with being masked or the fear of contracting COVID-19.
“I imagine if there were any (players) on the fence it might be something that deterred them from coming out,” she said. “I haven’t heard too much from parents, unfortunately this is just the time we’re living in. Everyone seems to have the attitude of ‘if this is what we have to do to play, we’ll do it’ and I couldn’t agree more.”
Robinson says the situation is not ideal, but her kids can finally be on the court together again, so all is good.
One of the biggest challenges Robisnon will have in her first year will be communication.
“Just not being able to hear each other, not being able to see frustration on their faces, (will be difficult),” she says. “Not seeing their smiles when something funny happens. It’s a communication barrier and it will be hard.”
Robinson has been working hard with the girls to set a steady starting five and she is looking to her four seniors, Mia Huberty, Hailey Millam, Caela Tighe and Claire Petersen to play large roles. Huberty, Millam and Tighe were named Robinson’s captains for the year.
Robinson will get help from her assistant coaches, Amanda Chesness, who will head up the JV team and Karissa Welle, who will handle the C-Squad.
“My team goals for this year is to be better each day and to be playing our best basketball as a team by the time our season ends, whatever that looks like,” said Robinson.
The roster includes: Mia Huberty (12), Hailey Millam (12), Caela Tighe (12), Ava Visnor (12), Claire Petersen (12), Olivia Stockham (11), Emily Steen (11), Makayla Hintz (11), Jessie Moyer (10), Emma Jacobs (10), Rylie Sternquist (9), Lexi Moen (9) and Kadyn Dilger (9).
