Bolts' Biggest Strength is Speed

It is always a learning experience when a team gets a new head coach.

The Thunderbolts girls basketball team returns quite a few players from last year, but most don't have varsity experience. Additionally, Head Coach Richard Perrotta just took over the team this year.

The playoffs are a realistic goal for the team, according to Perrotta.

"I think we will compete," he said, "We should have a good season."

The team's two biggest strengths are the speed and athleticism. 

On any basketball team, the point guard is one of the most important positions. They run the offense and play the same role as a quarterback of a football team. The coach feels that the offense is in good hands with his two point guards, Emily Ramirez and Erinn Rielly.

Defensively, the team will mix it up according to the match-ups. They will use a 3-2 zone, trap defense, and the standard man to man defense. Every team has the players who are gritty and do the dirty work. Jesse Hanler, senior forward, and Raven Sannon fulfill these roles.

"They are both big down low and scrappy players," Perrotta said.

Both players have good hands because they play volleyball.

Another strength of the team is the chemistry, which is a necessity for any successful team.

"They are all friends and get along really well with each other," the coach said.

Being focused and having the right attitude are two areas the coach has discussed in detail with his team.

"They are very coachable," he said, "I think we will have a good season."