A Wisconsin high school isn’t apologizing after its varsity girl’s basketball team defeated an opponent 106-11.
Verona High School led Janesville Parker by 50 points going into halftime. By the end of the game, all players on the team had scored with six players scoring in the double digits.
A spokesman for the Janesville School District, Patrick Gasper, said his school’s team was dealing with multiple injuries and illness and those players that did play had little experience.
“The more important thing to remember is how the coaches and the team respond to a game — lessons learned, finding areas where they may improve,” he continued. “We are proud to be able to field a team for girls basketball at both of our high schools, and these Viking student-athletes have heart and a desire to improve.”
For its part, Verona celebrated the win on social media. When asked about the high score, Verona coach Angie Murphey complimented the way her team played throughout the game, saying her coaching staff would never ask her players to ease up on an opponent.
“We have nothing but respect for Janesville Parker and their program,” Murphey said in a request for comment from the local NBC affiliate,” and we meant no disrespect to the Parker team and by mean were attempting to run up the final score. We have ten active girls on the varsity roster, all of which played significant minutes in the game. We pressed only in the first half on a made basket and subbed five-in and five-out in the second half with zero pressing. My girls are a great bunch of girls, and it is an honor to be their coach. We are no focusing our attention on getting ready to play Middleton on Saturday. At this time, I have no further comments regarding last night’s game against Janesville Parker.”
The Janesville School District released the following statement in response to the loss:
With respect to the Janesville Parker girls basketball game versus Verona High School last night, we recognize that in all athletics, you will win some games, and you will lose some games. The Viking girls team is persevering through injuries and illness, working hard to improve through difficult situations. Anyone can see the score of last night’s game and can make their own opinion of its appropriateness.
The more important thing to remember is how the coaches and the team respond to a game -- lessons learned, finding areas where they may improve. We are proud to be able to field a team for girls basketball at both of our high schools, and these Viking student-athletes have heart and a desire to improve. And that is the most important thing about high school sports/clubs. It is not about the win/loss record, but recognizing that the skills, traits, and characteristics students learn by participating will serve them well in career, college, and life--making them better community members long after their high school days are over.
