To say that the girls’ basketball team at Fremont High School had an amazing season would be an understatement. After all, not many teams win a state title and then have the opportunity to play in an elite tournament in New York, but that’s exactly what this team has done. Only four teams in the entire country competed in the Dicks’ Sporting Goods High School Tournament for girls’ basketball. Fremont was ranked 3rd, with Riverdale Baptist from Maryland as the top seed, and Miami and Edgewater from Florida as the 2nd and 4th ranked teams, respectively. Fremont was up against Miami on April 4th and won 43-33. Up next was Riverdale Baptist, who defeated Edgewater 59-58. Fremont eventually lost to Riverdale Baptist 60-35 on April 5th.
When asked about the competition Fremont was up against, Coach Lisa Dalebout said, “I think all the teams that are playing at this level are going to have amazing characteristics that set them apart, but this team has great leadership on and off the court. They have a will to win, and are very determined to reach their goals.” She also talked about how the girls on the team all have a lot of love and respect for each other both on and off the court. “They want each other to succeed and are genuinely happy for their teammates when they do so. They have formed a bond for each other that is hard to describe and unlike anything I have ever seen.”
Even though Fremont was considered an underdog in the tournament, there’s no denying the fact that they were a very formidable opponent. After all, they were entering the tournament with only two losses in their season. Dalebout said, “They used both of these (losses) as learning experiences, and improved on what they had been lacking, all while staying positive and determined.” It was this type of attitude that helped Fremont eventually win the 5A State title and be able to qualify for the tournament in New York. Coach Dalebout also said, “I honestly couldn't be prouder of our girls’ efforts. They played their hearts out in both games. We played two really good teams, and they played together and made so many people proud. We accomplished some amazing things, and it's because they believed in themselves.”
Coach Dalebout says the most important thing she wants her team to remember is “the memories they made together. And to remember the bond and friendships they made.” She also said, “My favorite part of the tournament was to be able to coach this team for two more games. To see them compete with all that they had, with some of the best teams in the nation, it was a beautiful thing to be a part of. I think they learned a lot about themselves, and what kind of people they are, and want to be. It was definitely a once in a lifetime opportunity. I want them to remember how hard they worked to get to that point, and that hard work really does pay off in the long run.” This team not only made Fremont proud, but the entire state of Utah as well with their amazing efforts both on and off the court. Congratulations, ladies!!
