Kara Marshall: Gaithersburg Girls Basketball
Gaithersburg currently boasts a 15-2 record with their only losses against Paint Branch.
Photo By: Howard Bernstein / GamedayMD.com | VIEW GALLERY
Kara Marshall has become one of the team leaders for the Trojans.
Photo By: Howard Bernstein / GamedayMD.com | VIEW GALLERY
"As a team leader, I want everyone to use the loss as motivation to make us better."
Photo By: Howard Bernstein / GamedayMD.com | VIEW GALLERY
GAITHERSBURG, MD - The world of sports has its fair share of teams who dominate their opponents and the conference, with the overall team chemistry that they use. Then, after having a tremendous run, the inevitable changes take place and key standouts graduate.
This is the case with the Gaithersburg girls basketball team. Who lost six key players from last years 24 -4 team; that went as far as the state quarterfinals. Yet, the big question at the beginning of this season was if the Lady Trojans could be able to overcome such a loss.
However, despite some of the concerns that many critics had at the beginning of the season, the Lady Trojans have managed to post a respectable 14 -2 record. At the core of this success is point guard Kara Marshall. The junior standout and her sister Colleen have been quickly filling any voids that the team did have.
As result, Marshall has become one of the team leaders, who will continue to keep pushing forward. A good example of this occurred during the team loss to Paint Branch, where Marshall continued to push deep on the hardwood, constantly testing their players and defenses.
This desire to always go the extra mile; was vital in helping the team remain competitive in game that saw lead switch back and fourth six times.
As a result, Marshall contributed a total of 18 points to the team effort, despite the tough loss. Yet, when you look beneath the stats and the headlines; it is clear that there is so much more the Kara Marshall.
The Foundation of the Lady Spartans
Kara first started playing basketball at the age of 8 for the Gaithersburg recreational team. As a freshman, it was clear that Marshall was someone to watch when she began playing on varsity and with the Maryland Flames.
The experience in playing with the Flames; helped her to build her overall skills and ability, as she played against some of the most talented players in the county. Where, during the off-season the team was known for its frequent road trips against opponents in places such as: California, Texas and New Jersey.
Over the last two years, this helped to improve Marshall's overall athletic ability, with what she consistently contributes to the teams overall successes. A good example of this can be seen by looking at the total production of Marshall this season alone; as she has averaged 15.68 points per game.
K-Marsh
Marshall is affectionately referred to as "K-Marsh" by her teammates. This is a sign of leadership and respect for what she brings to the Lady Trojans. As a result, Marshall has emerged as the team leader that has a passion and motivation to help everyone improve.
A good example of this occurred; during some of the tough losses, with Marshall saying, "As a team leader, I want everyone to use the loss as motivation to make us better. This is the key to helping the younger players develop and build team unity."
Passion
Kara Marshall has a passion for the game and every team that she plays for. This desire; is what has helped to constantly improve her overall levels of play.
Over the past two years, this has been a critical factor that is attracting the attention of a variety of scouts from up and down the Eastern seaboard to include: Delaware, New Hampshire and Sacred Heart.
What is drawing such early interest in Kara; is her overall ability to work cohesively in a team environment and the array of weapons that she brings with her.
A good example of this can be seen with observations from one recent scouting report that said, "Marshall has an outstanding fast break, can penetrate deep, shoots great from the outside, is the total package on defense and is a team player."
What all of this shows; is that Kara is quickly becoming one of the top players in the D.C. metro area. While no one knows what the future may hold, Kara could be one of the players to watch as far as point guards are concerned.
