Not only has senior Erin Bax worked hard to improve her skills, but she has also led the girls’ basketball team to make strides.  After starting out the season 1-9, the girls’ team went on to win six of their eight games to reach a very respectable record.  Female athlete of the month Erin Bax was a key player and leader during this stretch.

“This year we had pretty much a brand new program,  so we got off to a rough start,” Bax said. “Now that we’re all more comfortable with each other and Coach Kent has gotten to know us better, we’ve been playing a lot better and displaying much better teamwork. We have definitely improved as the season has gone on, and that is reflected in our record.”

Bax attributed the team’s improvement to better adopting Kent’s style.  Kent, however, mentioned Bax’s work ethic as a key factor.

“She always works hard, and is always pushing the rest of the team to get better,” Kent said.

As a captain this year, Bax’s hard work has influenced the team.

“When people see that she is pushing herself to get better by coming in early before school to work on her shooting it raises the bar for everyone else,” Kent said. “She is one of our captains so a big part of her job is make sure the others are following her lead through being vocal and her example in practice.”

Bax agreed that the role of captain was a big responsibility.

“My role on the team is being a leader,” Bax said. “Because I’m a senior and have been on varsity for three years, I try to set a good example at games and at practices by showing dedication and hard work. Whenever our team goes through tough times, which we’ve had our fair share of, I do my best not to complain and to keep my teammates in line.”

In addition to helping the team as a leader, Bax has been a tremendous asset playing at the forward position for the Hounds. Kent said that he could count on Bax “on a nightly basis” to rebound and battle opposing players in the post.

“My greatest strength on the court is my defense,” Bax said. “I’ve always been the girl who has to guard the ‘big, corn-fed farm-girls,’ as my former coach would say.”

Bax has improved mightily over the course of her basketball career, thanks to her aforementioned work ethic.  Bax said she has taken advantage of the “before-school open gyms” which the team has offered.  She offered advice for prospective basketball players.

“My advice regarding work ethic is to leave it all on the court every time you play,” Bax said. “I like to leave practice and games knowing that I gave it all I could and did my best. If I don’t feel that way, then I’ve cheated myself and my team.”

As the season’s end nears, the Hounds still face many good teams in their remaining games and Bax has one final goal.

“My main goal for the rest of the season is to win a game that we are not expected to win,” Bax said.