CARIBOU, Maine — After a season that was full of experience, the Caribou girls varsity basketball team hopes to focus on teamwork and building chemistry this season.
The Vikings had a record of 1-11 last season. In the Aroostook County playoff quarterfinals, the Vikings faced the No.2 ranked Houlton Shires, suffering a loss of 51-34.
The Vikings are led by Coach Kayla Brown, who is entering her fifth year as coach. Currently, Brown is focusing on having her players think as a team.
“Although we are young and have a lot of room to grow, this group understands the importance of teamwork and their individual role in the team’s success,” Brown said. “These girls are focused on their contribution to the team rather than individual achievements.”
The Vikings aim to remain consistent throughout the season, hoping to act on many players’ potential. “I think this group has a lot of potential to accomplish their goals,” Brown said. “They will need to remain confident and be consistent throughout the season.”
Members of the 2021-2022 Vikings include seniors Gabbie Sutherland, Mia Theriault; juniors Ashlyn Bouchard, Selena Savage; sophomore Emma Butler; and freshmen Ainsley Caron, Madelynn Deprey, Amelia Godin, Joslyn Griffeth, Abby Haney, Abby Leahy and Brianna Levesque.
Potential starters, according to the coach, include senior guard Savage, a competent player who understands the game well and has excellent court vision. Junior guard Bouchard also has great knowledge of the game, and has proven herself as a reliable shooter for the Vikings. Senior guard Sutherland is a tough player with great competitive spirit.
Other potential starters are freshman Guard Deprey, so is a solid athlete with great scoring ability. Freshman guard Leahy is an outstanding defender and supporter of her teammates. Freshman guard Caron is another very athletic and versatile player. Senior Theriault is set to be a key pillar of leadership for the team this season, and freshman guard Godin has positioned herself as a solid shooter.
The team aims to fill the void left by last season’s team captain Emily Collins, who led the team in rebounding; and Sage Dubay, whose defense and competitiveness helped elevate the team, the coach said.
Caribou remains in Class B North this season. Brown notes that Houlton, Hermon, and Old Town will be three of the toughest teams for them to face this season.
Despite the challenges that COVID-19 has presented, the Vikings remain optimistic about this season. “We are really excited to get back on the court and have fans in our gym to experience the game with us,” Brown said. “We are taking it day by day, with an understanding that the situation can change at any time.”
