Q&A with DIS 5th grade girls basketball assistant coach Steven Lathem

CHARLESTON, S.C. — A Q&A with Steven Lathem, who is an assistant coach for the DIS 5th grade girls basketball team.

Team: DIS 5th Grade Girls Basketball

Coaches: Jason Wilkinson and Steven Lathem

Please share some history or backstory on the team/club/program.

Steven Lathem: The DIS 5th grade girls basketball team is always a new beginning. 5th grade is the first year that a school team can start participating in the Trident League. Similar to the process for many other schools, there was a tryout before the season for all interested 5th graders. The team comprised the following players: Ava Auricchio, Lexi Buss, Addie Harridge, Mary Benton Lathem, Charlie Mahan, Mackenzie Moore, Gabriella Parker, Brooklyn Santangelo, Julia Stroble, Julie Tracy, Lucy Turner and Quinlyn Wilkinson.

What are the team’s goals for the current/upcoming season?

Lathem: We had many team goals this season. The number one being playing together and becoming a team while building friendships, working hard for each other and having fun. Given it was our inaugural year, we were unsure how the season would go. But we believed in each player and knew we could strive to make the playoffs by finishing above .500. As we continued to put in the work weekly at practice on the court and many times off the court together, the girls’ confidence, skill and determination took off. After losing our first 2 games, we never lost again. We then set our sights on a 5th grade championship win.

Who are the team’s captains or leaders? What makes them a vital part of the team’s success?

Lathem: We ultimately decided not to designate any team leaders or captains this year with each player contributing significantly to our overall success. During the season, our all-conference players were Addie Harridge and Mary Benton Lathem with the academic award going to Charlie Mahan. For the playoffs, the all-tournament team players awarded were Addie Harridge and Quinlyn Wilkinson with Mary Benton Lathem earning tournament MVP.

Does the team have any pregame rituals or traditions?

Lathem: The night before the championship game, the team held a walkthrough practice followed by a pasta dinner party hosted by Coach Jason’s family. The girls enjoyed a great meal together and finished the night creating motivational posters to hold and hang at the games. It was a double header championship night with the DIS 5th grade boys team playing after and the girls wanted to show their support too.

How does the team welcome new members?

Lathem: This was a new team as 5th grade is the first year that a school team can start participating in the Trident League. As stated before and similar to the process for other school teams, there was a tryout before the season for anyinterested 5th graders.

How does the team celebrate?

Lathem: The team celebrated the championship by chartering a party
bus to and from the school gym to an event space in Mt. Pleasant called MIX where they played mini-bowling, arcade games and cake!

Has the team broken any records this year?

Lathem: The team started off 0-2, but quickly found their groove and won the last 10 games of the regular season and then all 4 games in the playoffs to win the 5th Grade Girls Championship for the Trident Basketball Association. Ultimately, finished with a 14-2 record.

What has motivated the team to reach their goals this season?

Lathem: It was the team’s first year together, but they practiced hard each week with the goal of continuous improvement over the season. They worked together to achieve the team goals of becoming a team, to make the playoffs and then win the championship (check). And with the help of many classmates, friends and family who came to watch game after game, the girls got it done.

Anything else you’d like to add:

Lathem: As coaches, the greatest satisfaction comes from watching the players take what they learned during the practices to grow individually and as team
which in the end allowed them to enjoy the ultimate reward of a TEAM championship! And let me add, the atmosphere and hype for a 5th grade Championship game was so electric that it quickly became standing room only. Nothing I’ve seen or expected. The support brought by teachers, friends, family, classmates and fans added to an unforgettable sports memory the girls will never forget. They showed up that night, came to play for each other and took the WIN when it mattered most.

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