Throughout the 2011-12 season the Berkshire girls’ junior varsity basketball team has played through the adversity of suiting up just six players.

With just one substitute on the bench the Badgers are used to playing a lot of minutes.

The challenge was even greater when freshman Megan Arnold went down with an injury just a couple of minutes into Saturday’s Chagrin Valley Conference game at Fairport Harding.

Faced with the daunting task of playing over three quarters without a sub, the Badgers tightened their laces and went to work.

Behind season-high performances from sophomore Kaylee Evans and freshman Anna Carlson the Badgers took the Skippers into overtime and pulled out a 28-26 road win.

Evans led the Badgers with 13 points and Carlson pitched in with 8.

Teammates Alexis Johnson, Danielle Young and Kaitlyn Luther all played major roles in the victory, which earned the Badgers’ JV squad the Hiscox Agency/Nationwide Berkshire Athlete of the Week award.

Late in the game, Luther got tied up inside the paint and took a big shot that dropped her to the floor. For a moment it looked like the Badgers would have to play with just four players, but with her varsity teammates cheering her on she managed to get to her feet and finish the game.

The team effort led to a victory, but more importantly, the Badgers earned respect for their commitment and perseverance.