ABOVE: Martin County West's Maddie Carlson sets up for a free throw.

SHERBURN – The Martin County West Mavericks girls basketball team has continued to build upon the success it had last season.

While the team’s upperclassmen are a reason for it, the Mavericks have also had to rely on some younger players to step up and make an impact, one being sophomore Maddie Carlson.

After starting last season with a 10-3 record, the Mavericks have matched that record to this point in the new season at 10-3. Carlson is focused on continuing to help her team build on their success this season in hopes of a stronger finish in the playoffs.

“I really hope we can make it far in the playoffs and keep winning a lot of games,” said Carlson.

The Mavericks were 19-7 last season but were knocked out of the Section 2A playoffs by Springfield after winning in the first round over United South Central.

Carlson has faith in her team going further this season, however, saying that the strength of the defense is going to be a key factor as the season goes on. She also cited a strong sense of team chemistry.

“I think we all work together well,” said Carlson. “We’ve played together for a while. So, I feel like we kind of know each other’s strengths and positions that way. … I feel like our defense has always been really our strong suit. But I think we need to work on our offensive side a little bit more.”

The Mavericks have a 12-girl varsity roster this season, with half the team being underclassmen. Still, that hasn’t been a problem for Carlson and her teammates.

“We’re kind of a small team,” Carlson said. “We’re all friends, so it’s easy to play together.”

Despite her success on the basketball court, Carlson is also a multi-sport athlete that plays volleyball and softball. During the spring, she takes the circle as a pitcher and enjoys taking on the challenge of game management and the intensity that comes with the position.

“It’s kind of fun to run the game that way,” said Carlson.

Being able to manage the game on the diamond has translated to the basketball court so far for Carlson as she has been one of the team’s leading scorers next to senior Emily Anderson.

Looking back on her athletic career thus far, Carlson cites a strong familial influence on the sports she has played, stating that her parents both played in college and her sister, Ella, was also a high school athlete which led to her love of competing.

“Definitely my parents,” said Carlson. “My parents were big sports players. They both played sports in college and my dad and my mom both coached me in a lot of my sports. And my older sister, too. She just graduated last year and she played the same sports I did. So, kind of took after them.”

She has a long way to go to finish high school yet, but Carlson has a desire to study to become a therapist. She is undecided as to whether or not her playing career will continue beyond her senior year at MCW, however.

“I definitely want to go to college,” said Carlson. “But not sure if I want to play a sport in college yet or not. I kind of like the idea of a therapy, like physical therapy, speech therapy, kind of like that road.”

Regardless, the Mavericks and their fans will be happy to continue watching Carlson play this season and the next two.

Outside of the realm of competition, Carlson enjoys the simple things like reading, shopping, and time with her friends.

Carlson and the Mavericks head to Madelia at 7 p.m. Thursday to try and continue to build on their record.