By J1 Reporters Ella Hatz & Rachel Kenney

Marian’s varsity basketball team heads into their upcoming season with one clear goal: to take state. The Crusader’s depth blends experienced leaders, relentless work ethic and growing confidence.

Jolie Hefflinger, a junior who has been on varsity since her swing player days as a freshman, is the steady anchor. Coaches turn to Hefflinger for a reliable shot and relaxed presence on the bench. She thrives on competition and the little plays that keep a game tight and close. 

Elli Jones, also a junior, is playing varsity for the first time this season. After starting on reserve, climbing to JV and finally earning her spot on varsity, Jones describes a season-long battle mindset. She won this with weight training, healthier nutrition and most importantly, faith. Her journey from nearly quitting to contributing meaningful minutes gives Marian power and proves that minutes are never guaranteed. They are earned. 

Sophomore Alivia Kuhn arrived at Marian under high expectations and learned quickly that winning and success requires being unselfish. Once prone to taking the shot, she now talks about passing and building a “sisterhood” by leading by example. This is the kind of maturity that helps the growth of a team. 

By putting together Hefflinger’s reliability, Jones’s worth ethic and Kuhn’s team-first growth, they create a team culture built for basketball. If Marian reaches its state goal, it won’t be one star player, but the energy from the bench, hard work in the gym, and smart decision making. Together, the Crusaders’ chemistry and depth could be what carries them all the way to state. And with Bud Crawford cheering the Crusaders on this season, they’ll be one step closer.