It takes a lot of pride to pull off a season like the Lady Cougars did this year.

So often you hear about how some players just have the will to win and that’s the only thing separating them from everyone else. The hard truth is that sometimes a team’s season is crippled before it starts, and that was the case with coach Chris Walister’s girls.

With three girls suffering knee injuries before the season even began, the remaining players stepped in to fill the void and compete in a difficult Cascade Conference. Their 50-40 win over South Whidbey Feb. 19 symbolized much more than improvement from the their first game Dec. 8.

It symbolizes a change in attitude for these girls. Next season they will all be stronger for having to experience a trial by fire.

With the addition of their injured players they will undoubtedly experience a better 2011 season than they ever would have had not being on the floor.

Ironically, this season will give next year’s team more depth, and they will know what it takes to win. Sometimes all a team needs is to figure out what it feels like to win. That experience is invaluable and I’m sure Walister is waiting for it to kick in come November.

Congratulations to the Lady Cougars for sticking with their coaches and teammates and pulling out a win.