Sacred Number Seven: Girls Basketball on a Win Streak

Amanda Carlow leads her troops. Photo courtesy of Shawnta' Jones '14. Copyright Red Cloud Indian School.

Sacred Number Seven: Girls Basketball on a Win Streak

By Shawnta` Jones ‘14

West, North, East, South, the sky, the earth and ourselves are the seven directions in the Lakota culture. As of right now, the Red Cloud girls basketball team is connected to each of these directions and it seems as if nothing can go wrong. They are in balance and are currently riding a seven game win streak.

After the three game losing streak and a devastating loss to the Pine Ridge Thorpes in early January by the score of 80-54, the Lady Crusaders finally found their mojo. After Coach Amanda Carlow had them run 31 straight ladders in practice, the team made a drastic change.

“We went on a three game losing streak because we were not playing as a team. We weren’t confident, and we were selfish,” stated Carlow. “Now I like where we're at as a team, but I feel like we need to continue to grow and make changes. By the end of the season, we will be looking good.”

The girls came out against St. Francis on fire and beat them with the score of 82-45. Next was the extremely tough battle against Belle Fourche, but once again they won the game 64-63. Douglas 72-49, Alliance 76-49, Cheyenne Eagle Butte 60-48, Bennett County 68-59, and the last game against Custer with a blowout 78-27. The winning continued and their win streak rose to seven.

“It’s like sundance. When you suffer with people, it brings you closer and as one. That is why I had them run 31 straight ladders,” said Carlow. “We are more aggressive on defense. We’re starting to attack the basket and moving the ball more. It kind of feels like a whole new team.”

The Lady Crusaders are giving their all at each practice and are hoping to reach their final goal at the end of the season.

Junior Myriam Rama says, “I feel that we are a team this year and we are improving individually as well as a team. As for our winning streak, I hope we can continue as we head to Lead- Deadwood on Friday. I feel real good.”