"We've definitely grown closer than when she first came. She was a bit shy at first however now she and her laugh around Mut 22 coins. We've become friends when we play," Madden said. "My sophomore year, we did not have any (knockdown) shooter, so the way they stopped us was to cover me in the post. This is how we lost in semi-state. Having Maci on the scene helps immensely."
"It gives us an inside-out punch," Bales said. "Her ability to pass is amazing ... she's aware of the floor with such clarity and is very selfless." Her body is put on the line to help the team. She's hard-working, takes charge as she chases loose balls she competes for rebound opportunities and defends hard and often leaves her with a "daily" dose of bumps and bruises, according to Bales.
Madden stated that she's a important asset to have on Blue River's side but admitted it's tough to practice against Loveless. However, she does make the team more tough and, when combined with her previous experience will aid the Vikings keep their postseason success.
"Her energy is exactly what we need. Everyone kind of takes advantage of her. And whatever you do with her, just lifts us all along," Bales said. "Last year she was coming off the bench. She played for about half of the game. She was the same type of player, but she was not as disciplined ... it's been a while since she is now more (in controlled) and is not turning it over."
Blue River has stumbled some during the first few weeks of the season. losing its opener against Waldron (7-0) and then losing 50-49 at home to Blackford on November. 27. Madden states that it's due to having to adapt to new players playing new roles buy mut coins, however Wapahani was the team's top offensive display thus this point.