Fremont has good reason to fill the house for girls basketball
Sue Wolf always told administration the bleachers would be filled with fans on both sides of the old court if they pulled the stands out like they did for the boys.
The girls pack the gym with people on all sides of the Fremont Ross gym these days. The Little Giants earned a lopsided victory Thursday over visiting Bowling Green to cap an unblemished season in the Northern Lakes League Cardinal Division their first year in the conference.
It doesn't hurt that Ross plays an unselfish brand of basketball with Toledo-bound Destiny Robinson at point guard and coach Juan Vela at the helm.
Girls basketball Ross caps unblemished league season
As Wolf's niece, sophomore Lyndi Wolf has a powerful connection to Ross basketball. Lyndi is the great niece of Jane Walter and granddaughter of Phyllis Wolf.
"My aunt coached for a long time," Lyndi said. "I grew up in the gym and watched Fremont girls basketball. To be part of this group is special."
Phyllis and Jane are at home games and some on the road.
"The community is really behind these girls, especially the seniors," Walter said. "That's why you see all these people here. You need that in a small community, people to get behind the teams. It brings the community together and the kids appreciate the community backing them up.
"They work together. They look like they're having fun. They're very skilled. They aren't selfish. They pass. They don't care about how many points they make. I'm very proud of Lyndi. Hopefully they go far in the tournament."
The Little Giants feel the love.
"Coming and supporting us is huge," Lyndi said. "It was packed. Our seniors deserve nothing less. The community is a huge part of us winning and having fun. We build off the energy. They get going and we get going.
"It's a domino effect. They lift us up. They have a huge impact. In the tournament, I remember the whole side was purple. We're fun to watch; they enjoy it."
Robinson's brand of basketball is definitely a pleasure to watch. The fans have helped her grow.
"Girls sports are appreciated, but when they show up night in and night out, we want to play for them," Robinson said. "We feed off their energy. It gets us going. I'm not from Fremont. They accepted me with open arms.
"I feel at home. I'm proud to call Fremont home."
Robinson, Carma Johnson, Abby Cahill and Natalia Alejandro are seniors.
"This town loves sports," Vela said. "A lot of these fans played here or were part of the program. They're not just watching; they are the program. We're a community and we have a responsibility to give back. Our girls give a lot to the community.
"It want to see kids be successful and these seniors led the program to be successful."
The Wolf Pack at Ross games typically includes Sue as well. A member of the Ross Hall of Fame and 1966 graduate, the Little Giants earned three conference crowns for Sue Wolf, the last in 1997.
Wolf never dreamed of having a player like Lyndi on any roster. She's the tallest player in Ross history at 6-foot-2.
Sue Wolf is thrilled to see the program return to the top. Vela followed her as coach.
"Juan's done a great job since he took over," she said. "They pass the ball around. They don't care who scores. Most of the kids play travel. They shoot the ball. There are more people here to see the girls play as a team."
Jonathan Diller played in a state semifinal for Convoy Crestview in 1971 and earned 10 letters in three sports. Count him among the enchanted, he attends as many home games as possible.
"The things you learn from team play and what it takes to be successful," he said of the example set by Ross. "How to be disciplined. Lessons for life. You learn to win and lose. They play very unselfish. They don't care who scores.
"I enjoy watching talented players and teamwork. They're well-coached. Coach Vela instilled a winning culture. He has a positive attitude. The kids enjoy playing and it's a great environment. They care about one another, you can feel it."
Ross plays host to a sectional final at 7 p.m. Feb. 24.
"One more home game," Vela said. "If you couldn't come [Thursday], there's one more chance."
mhorn@gannett.com
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This article originally appeared on Fremont News-Messenger: Fremont Ross OHSAA girls basketball
