Starting Five Defy Odds (27-22)

Story by Kalleigh Bagwell. Photo courtesy of Friendship Southeast Social Media.

Has your team ever won with only five players? On Monday, January 13th, 2025, Friendship Southeast girl’s basketball team faced an unprecedented hardship: a basketball game with only five players and absolutely no substitutes. The team had challenges that they wanted to overcome, their record at this time of the season, was 0-3. The lack of substitutes meant every player had to play their best for the entire game, with no breaks. 

The absence of substitutes meant teamwork and resilience was a must. Each player had to make good passes, smart plays, and communicate. These five players also had to play defense without fouling out. In order to be successful, each player had to stay focused, and the team had to persevere and have faith. 

Friendship Southeast Academy girls’ basketball team ended up winning their first game of the season that night. Their opponents played really well, and had players that had more experience than Southeast. However, the Southeast Tigers did not let that discourage them, they played smart and hard to the very end, resulting in a win in their home court. Go Tigers!

Kalliegh Bagwell is a 6th grade scholar at Friendship Southeast Academy.