January is coming to a close, and our middle school girls basketball teams are gearing up for their biggest moment of the season: the District Tournament on February 12! This week, we are celebrating all four middle school programs and the growth, character, and heart these young athletes are showing.

We are also talking injuries; what to do, what not to do, and why “playing through it” is not a badge of honor. As we get deep into the winter sports season, this is coming up more and more. Toughness is knowing when to rest so our athletes can be healthy long-term. Let’s keep our kids safe.

Now, let’s tip things off. 🏀

"The most important thing is to try and inspire people so that they can be great in whatever they want to do." - Kobe Bryant

Middle school basketball is where it all begins in Peninsula School District. Young athletes are learning the fundamentals, developing confidence, and discovering what it means to be part of a team. Our four middle schools have been competing all season, and with the District Tournament just around the corner on February 12, it is a great time to celebrate the growth, effort, and heart each program is building.

Dribble down the court with us as we highlight what each middle school program is building this season!

Coaches: Jeff Mladenich & Omar Vera

Goodman’s team is all about playing hard, learning every day, and having fun while representing their school with pride. They are growing together, supporting each other, and showing what true sportsmanship looks like because basketball is as much about respect and teamwork as it is about points on the board.

Coaches: Ann Lovrovich & Chase Wittmers

When coaches talk about character and teamwork, they are talking about something bigger than basketball. They're talking about athletes who support each other, who put the team first, and who show up with the right attitude every single day. That's what makes coaching worth it, and that's what makes teams special.

Harbor Ridge has something special this season, and it is not just about wins and losses; it is about the people these athletes are becoming.

Coaches: Shana Yellow Calf & Susan Tiner-Driscoll

Something special happened on Tuesday, January 20: Key Peninsula defeated Kopachuck, and the celebration that followed was unforgettable. The girls, the parents, and the entire KPMS community were ecstatic.

Here is why this win matters: Key Peninsula has struggled with its basketball program for years. Building a competitive team takes time, dedication, and a willingness to keep showing up even when wins are hard to come by. But this team didn't quit. They kept working, kept competing, and kept believing; and it paid off.

Wins like this do not just happen. They are the result of athletes who refuse to give up, coaches who invest in development, and a community that supports the program even through tough seasons. This is what growth looks like, and KPMS should be incredibly proud.

Coaches: Katie Hunter & Buddy Woodman

Kopachuck Middle School girls basketball is competing hard this season and representing their school with pride. This team is learning, growing, and building the skills and confidence that will serve them as they move up to high school basketball.

Middle school is all about development; learning the game, gaining experience, and discovering what you a re capable of. Kopachuck's athletes are doing exactly that, and they are getting better with every game.

Student safety is our top priority. Every coach, every parent, and every athlete needs to understand how we handle injuries in Peninsula School District athletics, and why following the protocol matters.

Injuries happen in sports. It is part of competition. But how we respond to injuries determines whether an athlete recovers fully or deals with long-term consequences. Pushing through pain is not toughness, it is dangerous. Rest and proper medical care are essential, and we need to take every injury seriously.

Coaches and administrators have a legal responsibility to prevent or reduce injury and loss. This includes:

Following district and state guidelines is not optional; it is a legal and ethical responsibility.

Here is what happens when an injury occurs during any PSD athletic event:

Every injury must be documented. Here is the process:

Concussions are serious. If a concussion is suspected:

Concussions can have long-term consequences if not handled properly. When in doubt, sit the athlete out and get them evaluated.

Here is something every coach, parent, and athlete needs to hear: Rest is not weakness. Rest is part of recovery.

When an athlete is injured, their body needs time to heal. Pushing through pain does not make them tougher, it makes the injury worse and puts them at risk for long-term damage.

If an athlete is hurt, let them rest. Follow the medical protocol. Don't rush them back because of a big game or a playoff run. Their long-term health is more important than any single competition.

Student safety is our top priority. Every injury must be taken seriously, documented properly, and treated with care. Rest is essential. Medical clearance is non-negotiable. And when in doubt, we always err on the side of caution.

Let's make sure every athlete in Peninsula School District gets the care they need and the time they need to recover. Their long-term health is more important than any game.

⚠️ Reminder: End-of-season schedules can change quickly as teams advance to district and state competitions. Please stay connected with your coaches and team communications for the most up-to-date information.

We want to hear from you! If you have any questions, concerns, or feedback about the Playbook or PSD athletics, please reach out to us at athletics@psd401.net

Your input helps us make our programs and communications even better!