The referee blows the whistle and tosses the ball for tip-off, Meghan O’Brien begins to move at a fast pace to record stats.

There is no “I” in team, but there is an “M”. “M” as in manager. Junior Meghan O’Brien manages the 2014-2015 Lady Knights Varsity Basketball team, keeping them organized and pumped up.

“I became a manager because I played basketball when I was younger,” Meghan said. “I just didn’t want to continue playing, but I still wanted to be a part of a team.”

The managers keep statistics during all games and makes sure the scoreboard shows the right score. They also help with the drills at practice. Keeping stats gives a visual on how well not only the team but individual players do, so they can work to get better.

“I like that the coach can count on me for taking the stats, and I still feel like part of the team when I’m there,” Meghan said.

JV coach Emily Brady has known Meghan since she coached her on the feeder team, her junior year. She has been known as a focused and dedicated manager since freshman year.

“Meghan keeps us organized,” Varsity player Austine Pauley said. “With the organization we can stay focused on a goal, to improve from our last game.”

Meghan enjoys keeping stats, because she is a big part of the team. She considers the team as some of her closest friends now and wants to continue to be a manager for her senior year as well.

“We’re all very close, we all feel the sense of belonging, we’re family,” Meghan said.