Little Hawk Girls Basketball is entering the 2023-24 season with a stronger mindset than ever before. Coming off of a 6-16 season, ending with a loss to Davenport North in the regional finals, the new team hopes to take their definition of “unbreakable” to new levels. 

“I want to see us do what we are capable of doing. And I think there is a mindset aspect of that,” Head Coach Lynsey Barnard spoke on her goals and aspirations for the young team. 

With mindset being a core part of this team, Coach Barnard hopes to watch this team grow throughout the extensive season. 

“Genuinely at the end of the year, we should be able to say, ‘Man we played hard.’ We represent ourselves. We got better. We stayed together,” Barnard said.

Staying together and playing as a team has always been the main goal of this program. After losing significant seniors, it has been a challenge to fill in the spots they lost. When asked about big roles, Coach Barnard made it clear that every member of the team is held to the same standard. 

“It’s everyone [stepping up], and I know that’s such a cliche answer,” Barnard said. “But, in many ways, I have already seen people step into new positions. I think what we really need to do is teach leadership to everyone.”

“The talent brought in from the incoming class and the loss of upperclassmen we have is very different from the previous season.” Tess Driscoll ‘26 stated. Driscoll talks about having limited upperclassmen, especially after the notable loss of her older sister Mia Driscoll, a previous captain.”I think I will have to step into a bigger leadership role this year, but I also see everyone contributing, too.”

While losing seniors is always hard to come back from, at City High, our returning players have already put themselves on the radar. Junior August Palmer, an All-District and All-Region player in class 5A led the Little Hawks in points with 408 during her sophomore year. Tess Driscoll ‘26 and Emmy McComas ‘25 followed, having the second and third most points, respectively. Each of these core returners brought something powerful to the lineup, and now, with the addition of many freshmen, the strength of this young team is undeniable. 

“Different people. Personnel is going to be a lot different.” Barnard stated. The Little Hawks faced their first season in a while with a whole new roster in 2022-23. They hope to exceed expectations this year, with that ever-present mindset that the team has been preaching. “Then, everyone who is returning has added to their skill set. So even with the same people, what they’re capable of doing also looks a little different, too. We just look different in a lot of [aspects].”

Through a long pre-season, the women’s basketball team has managed to find their groove. Chemistry is very important, and it produces results. After the first season with a new head coach, the team mindset and chemistry were strengthened in new ways. Heading into this 2023-24 season, these team dynamics are more important than ever.

“The team environment pre-season is good so far. We haven’t spent much time together, but the little time we’ve spent together the team chemistry has been great.” Driscoll ‘26 talks about having a bunch of new freshmen coming into the team dynamic. 

Not only does this team see an increase in talent with their freshman class along, but also a combination of returners just getting that much better. Going into this season with just as difficult of a schedule as previous years, the Little Hawks hope to wield this talent and newfound chemistry to their advantage.

“Last year we were in a lot of games, but we just weren’t better than teams. This year, the games will still be competitive but we’ll be playing together a little more,” Barnard has always encouraged hard work and effort, regardless of the outcome. She is hoping this year will produce those better outcomes. “There’s going to be a crazy competition in every game. Those games that we fell short of, where it was like, “Man, we were so close.” In games like that, you’re gonna see more results with us on the top end of it. We’re definitely going to be closer to getting to see what we’re actually capable of doing.”

Big games against rivals will happen in December and January against Iowa City West and Iowa City Liberty. Be prepared to witness City High’s young team stand out against competition like this. The Little Hawk’s home opener will take place Dec. 5 against Wahlert Catholic, only a few games after they face Central DeWitt for the start of the season. 

With an “unbreakable mindset” and an incredible coaching staff, this season of City High girl’s basketball will be a fun one to watch. 

Catch updates on the season on Instagram, X, or Varsity Bound:

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