Though the girls basketball team officially began their season on Nov. 3, they have been practicing behind the scenes by attending pickup games, summer camps, and holding their own training sessions.

“Practice has been incredibly competitive,” Assistant coach Melissa Mitideiro said. “The girls push themselves and each other, every day in every drill.” 

Mitidiero and Varsity Head Coach Meghan Hutchens started coaching girls basketball together at Plainfield East High School. Mitidiero was the head coach, and Hutchens was the assistant coach during their time at Plainfield East High School. When Hutchens was offered the opportunity to coach the LT girls basketball team as the varsity head coach, she accepted, and Mitidiero chose to join her.

“It has been a blessing working with Hutchens throughout our career,” Mitidiero said. “It felt natural to support her.”

Despite the change, Mitidiero and Hutchens’ coaching styles never changed. They have been using their own coaching styles since they played basketball in college.  

“We are confident in the girls on the team,” Hutchens said. “They put in a great deal of extra work and preparation for the season.” 

The preparation is also meant for the higher goals they want to accomplish. The team has goals of getting ready for the postseason games and, hopefully, becoming one of the top teams in the State, Mitideiro said. 

“If we stay focused, keep our energy high, and trust the process, we’ll put ourselves in a greater position to compete for the conference title,” Mitidiero said. 

Being on varsity since her sophomore year, Fiona Sullivan ’26 has experienced the ups and downs. Sullivan had an ACL injury last year, which caused her to miss most of the pre-season practices.

“It’s been a little rough, but when I finally was able to play, it felt good,” Sullivan said. 

She began playing basketball at the age of five. Throughout her time playing basketball, she was able to play on a travel team. Her team traveled all over the country during the spring and summer, competing against other travel teams. 

“I’ve had a passion for basketball since I was little,” Sullivan said. “But, you have to try things out, and if you don’t like it, it’s not your groove.” 

For the first time in a while, the Varsity team also has two freshmen, Kennedy Moore ‘29 and Evie Riopell ’29. Sullivan always helped out her new teammates with any plays they were struggling with or if they had any questions, she said.  

On Nov. 18, the girls basketball team had its first game against Benet Academy. LT won by scoring 54 points while Benet scored 53 points. The first tournament was the Thanksgiving tournament at the LT NC Fieldhouse. It consisted of schools from the area, and rather than a traditional pool, it was a combination of a pool and a bracket finish, Mitideiro said. 

“Our focus right now is competing at a high level each game and continuing to build momentum,” Mitidiero said.