On the rise

SARASOTA — Madison Pack and Ja’da Bennett have given the term “learning curve” an entirely new meaning this season.

Rather than taking the traditional route of stepping back and watching those ahead of them and, in turn, progressing and gaining experience over time, the two have been forced to take a more unconventional route this season.

Having been thrust into starting roles in their first season with the Sarasota High girls basketball team, Pack and Bennett are adjusting to having all eyes on them and the expectation that comes with being an instrumental part of the Lady Sailors program.

“I think it’s scary for us because we are freshmen and we’re going to make mistakes,” says Pack, who plays center and forward for the Lady Sailors. “We try to do everything right on the court, and sometimes we try too hard.”

Although things don’t always go the way their coach may have scripted it, the two are relishing the experience of being on Sarasota’s varsity squad.

“I think it’s a good experience,” Bennett, a forward, says. “Not a lot of freshmen are on varsity, so I was kind of surprised.”

In their first season with Sarasota, Pack and Bennett have helped lead the Lady Sailors to a 10-1 (3-0 Class 7A-District 10 record). Most recently the team defeated Palmetto 41-34 in district play. Sarasota returns to action Dec. 12, at Lakewood Ranch.

Through the first 11 games of the season, Pack is averaging 8.7 points and 4.6 rebounds per game, while Bennett is averaging 7.8 points, 4.6 rebounds and two steals per game.

“They both have made huge strides since the start of the season,” coach Rob Jutras says. “Confidence is the key. With each big win and successful outing they are gaining confidence in themselves, their teammates and our way of doing things.

“Their advanced maturity has allowed them to trust in the system and perform well within it,” Jutras says. “They are rarely frustrated on the court and don’t back away from the pressures that come with success and expectation.”

Pack and Bennett both played together in middle school, which has helped them transition to the varsity level.

“We know what each other’s strengths are, and we try to use that,” Pack says.

Since the first day of practice, Pack and Bennett have been focused on playing team basketball — something that wasn’t always the case when they were younger. Although, being part of a team that won the district title last season and advanced to the regional quarterfinals has helped ease the transition.

“It’s easier because we’re surrounded by all of these other girls who are really good,” Bennett says.

Now with 14 games still remaining on the schedule before the district tournament, Pack and Bennett are hoping to improve their on-court presence and become better overall players — something their coach believes is entirely possible this season, given a little more time and experience.

“As they continue to develop their physical basketball skills, they need to work on their communication and focusing on the mental aspect of the game,” Jutras says. “Because they are competing against older, stronger and more experienced players, they need to understand how communicating better can help the entire team as they individually adjust to the speed of the high school game.”

Contact Jen Blanco at [email protected].