A senior forward for the Washington Demon girls basketball team got her start in the game at a young age. Elle VanGundy first got involved in organized basketball when she was in elementary school, “When I was in fourth grade, one of my best friend’s mom came up to me and said I should go out for basketball because I was tall,” Van Gundy said, “The only problem was I am the same height now as I was back then but that first practice I fell in love with the game and have stuck with it ever since.”

Standing 5-feet 8-inches tall, Van Gundy is one of the shorter post players on the roster for head coach Jay Zieglowsky, but her aggressive style of play has landed her a starting spot on through the first eight games of this season. Despite not scoring a field goal this season, Van Gundy is near the top of the team in two other important statistical categories. Van Gundy currently is tied for second on the team in total rebounds (37) and has posted 80% free throw shooting percentage this season (8-10).

The Demon girls’ basketball team is in unfamiliar territory starting this season out losing six of their first eight games. Van Gundy says the difference she sees between this year’s team and past teams she has been on is the confidence of the group. “Last year we had four great seniors leave and they were great leaders and had confidence that we were going to win.” Van Gundy said, “I think this year our seniors think we are ok but if we had the mindset we would make shots and we were going to win, I think we will start winning more games.”

Washington returns to the court tomorrow evening in a non conference battle with the Burlington Grayhounds at Burlington High School.