HIGH SCHOOL JOURNALISM: MFL MarMac loves its basketball

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By MacKenzie Gramlich, MFL MarMac freshmanMONONA - Speak the word basketball at MFL MarMac and ears perk up.Dedication plays a vital role in a successful season and is one factor that cannot be ignored. Both basketball at MFL MarMac are dedicated.All of the athletes play with a reason, with one destination in mind - state.But it's more than that here.“Everything about the game,” freshman Allison Corlett said when asked what comes to mind when she hears the word basketball. “Practice, games and what I need to do to prepare myself for each day.”Corlett fell in love with the game when she first started practicing with an actual team in third grade. She liked the team aspect and has learned valuable lessons from the game.“I told myself it doesn't matter how tall or how big the girl is, just give it your all because that's all that will matter in the end,” Corlett said. “To never give up on myself if I'm having a day where I can't make any shots.“And to realize whatever happens this season, to know that I gave it my all.”For senior Erin Kinley, it was in middle school when everything about the game really came to life.“I really just love everything about basketball,” she said. “I love the feeling after winning a game and the feeling after a tough practice. I enjoy the company of my teammates, both on and off the court. I love my uniform and my shoes. I love the sounds and the smells.“I know that I'll cherish all the memories I've made throughout all my seasons. I just really love the game.”Both girls said this year's team meshes well. They know each other's strengths and weaknesses, they push each other and are confident in one another. Those weakness can result in defeats at times, unless they are canceled out by hard work.And, of course, dedication.No matter the age or gender, basketball is really played for one reason - for the love of the game.