For five Sundays leading up to the formal Winter basketball season, BSM’s girls’ Fall basketball league prepares for the upcoming season by playing games against other schools’ fall league. The fall basketball team is comprised of girls who want to get a head start on the upcoming season and ease back into the fast-paced game.

By Minnesota high school league rules, varsity basketball coaches aren’t allowed to coach their teams off season. Because of this, fall basketball league is mainly captain led; this year’s captains are Azzaria Jackson-Sherrod, Allie Coughlin, Gretchen Sattler, and Sydney Liebl. The teams mock matches are overseen by the assistant boys’ basketball coach, Mike Swan.

This season, the basketball team moved into a more competitive and talented section. “The competition is going to be tough because we moved into the new Metro West Conference, so that’s going to be much more of a test for us. As a conference they’re much stronger in girls’ basketball than the North suburban ones,” said varsity girls’ basketball coach Bob Lyons. “For Fall ball it’s more low key, but you still want to win, it’s just not a priority,” team member Amira Carter said.

The Fall league is an opportunity for all team members to improve their skills before the Winter season’s start. “Some kids will play more and have to score more, but we’re looking to have a good year and hopefully we’ll be able to make a run at the section,” Lyons said.

BSM’s Fall league offers a relaxed transition back into the game while still maintaining the intense aspect of basketball. Anyone is welcome to join the team for a chance to practice before the season starts. The entrance fee is $50. Fall league is mainly a fun way to regain a competitive edge in a player’s routine.