January 29, 2026, Seward Folly, submitted by the Seward High School Girls’ Basketball Coaching Staff

The Seward Seahawks community has always had exuberant fans! This year is no exception. There have been, however, some vibrations in the air, and even a few remarks about “lop-sided scoring” margins in girls’ varsity basketball games. The underlying feeling is one of “discomfort,” watching “blow-outs.” We would like to give a few suggestions for an easy fix. 

It is a given that every team loves to hear the roar of their home crowd and a “great game” post-game comment from family, friends and fans. Sometimes, however, game-hype and “congrats” are given (or not), based on the “superficiality” of a close score, alone. But “close” on the scoreboard should not be the real gauge of excitement. A varsity-level competitive game ending with a score of 4 points to 2, would likely not provide much to be hyped about. From our experience, how well the players do what they do within their level of competency is the actual essence of competitive basketball. 

And these Reigning State Champs do what they do, very well! Their title was not casually given. That title comes from playing the right way at the right time over a span of time. And they are not a handpicked, “stacked team” steamrolling opponents with impunity. These girls are a down-to-earth, fun group of homegrown players who have a great mindset. They like playing hard with joy, whether in close games or not. They relish doing the “non-glamorous” work of defending hard, going after the ball, and shooting the “boring” shots that make points, but not necessarily highlight reels. With an eye on those things alone, the “right kind of excitement” can be fun not only to watch, but to hype in every sense! And that should not be diminished if an opponent has brought something less to the floor. We do not disrespect opponents by beating them – even badly. We have been that opponent on many occasions. No. It would be a disrespect to be condescending; to “play down;” or give lazy effort and half-hearted enthusiasm. No one should expect to play, coach, or cheer for mediocrity.

As mentioned, this community has wonderful fans. It is you who provide awesome and needed external energy. That has certainly contributed to the success of this team as a whole and in becoming state champs. Let’s not get distracted by the resulting scoreboard points but rather look at how these girls get those points! Here are some examples of great things to watch that don’t have lights on the scoreboard: 

• Stifling defense: Averaging 22.2 steals per game, 22.8 deflections. Allowing only 15.6 average points. 
• Balanced “team” scoring; often every team member contributing (this is not common on most teams).
• Perfectly placed passes: over half of our points are assisted. Averaging 15.3 assists on 24 made baskets.
• Game effective shooting percentage of 45.5%. 
• Securing most of the available rebounds: 71.4% of opponent’s misses. 52.7% of our own misses.
• Turning the ball over only 12.2 times per game. 

These are remarkable stats worth hyping in games and praising, after.

The bottom line: regardless of the competition, the classification, and even despite misplaced perceptions, these girls come to play each game in every category! Would we want it any other way? They respect the game, they respect their opponents by choosing to play hard, consistently. That is the true root of genuine hype and should be recognized and acknowledged. Please let’s not under-appreciate that. Or ever let that get diluted by a disparity of points on a scoreboard, win or lose. The easy fix? Please, keep coming to watch this unique team of special girls with intent to applaud all of that, and vigorously!

Thank you, SEAHAWKS FANS!

Coaching Staff

Seward Girls Basketball