The Royal Oak Ravens girls’ basketball team entered into the 2023-24 season with high expectations and one of the reasons is strong senior leadership from returning starters Anna Waterstredt and Megan Haun. Waterstredt, a point guard, led the team in assists and averaged five points per game last year as a junior. Haun, who can play any position on the floor, was second on the team in rebounds and assists during her junior year.

Royal Oak coach Brian Sopata is certainly glad to have both players back from a team that went 13-10 a year ago, a marked improvement from the previous season.

“Megan is a smart player on the court that picks things up quickly and we are a better team with her on the floor,” Sopata said. “Anna has improved every single season and that is a credit to the time and effort she puts into her game. She has a positive attitude that’s infectious and makes our entire program better.”

Now that we have a scouting report from the coach, let’s get one from each player – on the other.

“Something that is special about Megan is her ability to be involved in so many things at school,” Waterstredt said. “Megan can play every position in basketball. She primarily plays shooting guard because of her shooting ability but she can play point guard or post up in the paint throughout the game.”

Over to you Megan.

“Anna is reliable on and off the court,” Haun said. “I can count on her in times of pressure and I know she will step up and be there for the team when we need her. She is my support – when I need someone to turn to because I am frustrated or just need someone to talk to, she is there.”

Both players say this year’s team is “super close”, with basically the same team as last year but with another year of experience. Waterstredt said everyone gets along and they all push each other to get better.

“Our team goals are to win the OAA White and our district,” she said. “My personal goal is to improve my game as much as I can and also have fun since it’s senior year.”

Haun said the team strengths include great chemistry, a lot of speed and a drive to succeed. They lost some close games last year and will use that experience to learn from and turn them into wins this season.

“We learned our lessons in those games,” she said. “Hopefully, we won't be in the same situation this year and if we are, we know how to fight to come out on top. We have many strong players who all step up on different nights, which makes us stronger.”

Anna, 17, is the daughter of Kelly and Jeff Waterstredt. She has a 3.98 GPA and is a member of the Student Council, National Honor Society and Spikeball Club. She also plays soccer. She plans on playing basketball or soccer (or both) in college and studying elementary education.

Megan, 17, is the daughter of Peter Haun and Heather Plumer-Haun. She has a 4.02 GPA and is in the Student Council, National Honor Society, Spikeball Club and also plays soccer.

“I don't plan on furthering my athletic career on a collegiate level,” she said. “I want to be an environmental lawyer. My dream college is Michigan and I'm still waiting to hear back, but I have plenty of strong backups.”

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