From left, Coach Dusty Casey, Caitlin Oyler, Kadence Wiesmmer, Raegan Johnson, Reese Laca, Hazel Mackedon, Kaylee Craig, Karlie Simper, Kortnie Simper, Coach Amanda Gilbertson and Saray Hernandez.
The Lady Bighorn eighth grade girls’ basketball team finished the season undefeated and as Sagebrush League Champions.
The team beat Pershing County in the championship game on Oct. 14 at the Venturacci Gym.
“It was a lot of fun this year and we had a great team,” said guard Kaylee Craig. “I appreciated Coach Amanda Gilbertson helping us this year. Winning the Championship two years in a row is definitely something I’ll always remember. It’s been a great two years.”
Starting forward Hazel Mackedon agreed.
“It is an incredible team and was an incredible season,” she said. “Coach Gilbertson and Coach Casey taught me so much and really brought the team together. It was a lot of fun to have a team like we had and to be able to win with them is a once-in-a-life time experience.”
Courtesy
From left are Saray Hernandez, Kaylee Craig, Hazel Mackedon, Avery Laca and Kadence Wiessmer.
The team has played together for two years now and has been undefeated in both seasons, winning the seventh-grade championship last year. The team consists of Caitlin Oyler, Kadence Wiesmmer, Raegan Johnson, Reese Laca, Hazel Mackedon, Kaylee Craig, Karlie Simper and Kortnie Simper.
"An undefeated season is a huge accomplishment in and of itself, but to seal it with a championship just makes it even more special,” Gilbertson said. “I really have to give all the credit to the girls, they truly are amazing. They were motivated this season and put in all the work and continued to grow throughout the season.
Sophia Jeffs
Senior Spotlight: Sophia Jeffs
Senior Sophia Jeffs started at Oasis Academy as a freshman and the school has helped her develop into a critical thinker and further her love of science.
“I'd like to thank Mr. Eric Grimes,” Jeffs said. “His class made it easier to focus on the good things. We were also allowed to debate topics a lot and it created many interesting discussions. Some of my favorite classes have always been Mr. Grimes. Not just for what was being taught but because of the memories that were made also.”
Along with Grimes’ classes, another of her favorites has been math.
“In terms of academics, math has also always been one of my favorite classes,”Jeffs said. “It's consistent, easy, and incredibly useful in science. It's like a little nerd haven of peace.”
Jeffs wants to eventually work as a forensic scientist and received significant experience in the laboratory while being part of Dr. Gary Evett’s INBRE research group at WNC.
“Being able to participate in the INBRE research with Dr. Evett was incredible,” she said. “I learned quite a bit. The project helped find more evidence to support a potential vaccination for certain cancers.”
Her advice for future students: “There are going to be the days where it doesn't seem worth it,” Jeffs said. “It's going to be hard and it's going to suck, but it will always get better. Just give it time. Let yourself have a break and prioritize and you'll get by fine. There is always someone you can talk to and there are plenty of resources that you can take advantage of to keep your academics and your health in a good place.”
Jeffs will graduate with her high school diploma and an Associate of Science from Western Nevada College in May. The senior’s goal is to earn a master’s degree and work as a forensic scientist.
Scholarship fund created for Sweeney family
As many of you may know, two of our students lost their mom, Katie Sweeney, last week. Our hearts are breaking for this family. Oasis Academy has created a scholarship fundraiser for the students.
If you would like to donate, visit https://www.oanv.org or stop by the school, and spread the word. Losing a mom is so hard, Oasis Academy wants these students to have support not only now, but throughout their life. To have some money set aside for education will be a huge benefit. Thank you in advance for your generosity. This community pulls through every time and we know this one is no exception!