craigdailypress.com

Compared to rodeo, basketball is easy.

Just ask Kinlie Brennise.

Playing Wednesday during the Craig Parks and Recreation third- and fourth-grade girls youth basketball at Sunset Elementary, Kinlie helped lead the pink team to victory against the green team, 23-18.

“It’s not the same as rodeo because in rodeo you’re riding an animal, you’re in the sand and there’s no ball,” she said. “This is fun. I like having teammates because they cheer you on.”

Hannah Rosenthal was the pink team’s offensive spark plug in the second half of the game.

“I thought I played well today,” she said. “I was good at making shots.”

Like Hannah, Jaidyn Steele came up for her team on the offensive side.

“I had a good game because I made some good shots,” she said.

Danaka Bradshaw and Torre Coffey were defensive staples for the pink team.

“I was good at guarding today,” Danaka said. “I think we all did a good job.”

Torre said that while she prefers playing offense, the other side of the court was good for her Wednesday night.

“I think I played pretty good,” she said. “My defense was good. I kept my arms up.”

Kayci Barkley was one of the team’s best rebounders.

“I had a good game because I boxed-out,” she said. “This is my first year playing, and I thought I played well today.”

Kinlie, who has split basketball with rodeo for three years, said the entire team played well.

“I thought we did awesome,” she said. “The offense was the best part today.”

Sheila Brennise said she expected nothing less than the effort the team in pink gave her.

“They did great,” she said. “They always give 110 percent.”

The team has come a long way since the season started in October, Brennise said.

“What’s neat about this league is at the start, some of the girls are really shy out there,” she said. “And as the season goes on, you see them get more and more confident.”

The more the team plays, the better they get, Brennise said.

“They grow as individuals, and the more comfortable they get, the better they play, win or lose,” she said. “It’s just a joy to coach them at this level.”

Brennise said she has goals she hopes her team will reach by the end of the season.

“I want them all to respect the game and know the basics,” she said. “And to have fun.”

Ben Bulkeley can be reached at 875-1795 or bbulkeley@craigdailypress.com.