The Orcas girls’ SWISH team reigned undefeated in their season and brought the league championship trophy home.

“It has been truly amazing to watch these girls grow and work as a team over the season,” said coach Kami Griffin. “Words cannot express my pride in their determination and dedication on the court.”

For fourth- and fifth-graders, the program is run through Orcas Island Parks and Rec and aims to provide foundational basketball skills. The team, which consisted of Alice Estrella, Nora Duthie, Josie Foote, Aria Griffin, Macey Hance, Bella Malo, Sandra Malo, Cora Shaner and Angelina Smith, began practice in September and played games on Saturdays across Skagit County from Nov. 2 to Dec. 14.

The young athletes won all eight games during their season, earning the title of Undefeated League Champions. On Dec. 14, they played three games in a final tournament, beating Friday Harbor, Nooksack and Ferndale.

“The girls really stepped it up and got serious about strengthening their skills on the court. Our defense was pretty rock solid out the gate, but we had to work hard on strengthening offense and working as a team to run plays,” Griffin said. “The Championship game against Ferndale was very tight. The girls each received a basketball for the League Champion title, and for the tournament, the team got the first place trophy.”