Bristol Central Girls Basketball’s Record-Breaking Championship Season🏀

CIAC Glory Days Podcast host Jada Mirabelle sits down with Bristol Central Girls Basketball stars Nicole Reimer and Kamaria Bowens, alongside Head Coach Steve Gaudet, following the program’s unforgettable Division II State Championship run. From their thrilling overtime victory at Mohegan Sun Arena to a record-breaking season on and off the court, the Rams reflect on the moments that defined their championship journey. 🏆🎙️

Transcript

Meet The State Champions

0:03

Welcome to CIC's Gloried's podcast. I'm your host, Jada Mirabelle, and today I'm joined by the reigning Division II Girls Basketball State Champions at Bristol Central High School. I'm joined by Nicole Reimer, Kamaria Bowens, and head coach Steve Godet. Thank you guys for joining me today. Thanks for having us. Of course. So Bristol Central Girls Basketball secured the first state title in program history this past March with a 58-52 overtime win against Rocky Hill. And after everything this group went through the past two seasons, coming up just short last year in semifinals, what did that moment mean to you when that final buzzer sounded at Mohegan Sun? It meant a lot. Especially I've been head coach here for over 20 years. And um to have such a special group to do it with after what we had been through the year before, um it truly was uh a feeling like I've never felt before. Um just seeing their emotions, and obviously I'm a very emotional guy as well. So um just just to let it all out and to and just know that all their hard work, all our commitment to one another as a team, as a collective, it was just a special moment. Nothing and something I'll never forget. Did you guys know heading into this season that it was gonna be a special year, or did it kind of develop throughout? Did you do anything to prepare differently as a team? I think we knew it was gonna be a special year because last year we

The Final Buzzer Feeling

1:15

thought we were gonna have a special year and won a state championship, and then we fell short. And then coming into this year, we faced a lot of adversity, and then when we saw like everyone stepping up and still supporting each other, and we were still winning like through our adversary, like that's when like I felt like we were gonna have a special ending because it just shows like we're made for the tough moments. That you had that grit and that competitiveness. Yeah. And that was one thing that really stood out with your team throughout the whole year was that competitiveness in close games when whether it was rivalry games or tournament games or overtime situations, the group never really seemed rattle. So, how did you build that mentality and then maintain it throughout the season? Um, one big thing was that she missed the first 10 games this season with a knee injury. So just having some younger kids step up and being able to rely on them. Um, and then this one over here is one of the best leaders you'll ever see in your life. So having kids, the younger kids being able to follow her lead and and and handle adversity and let she never really get panic, she never really gets nervous. So to see that and her calmness um kind of kept them calm and composed. Really helped lead by example for the younger players. Yeah. So Nicole and Kamaria, from your perspective on the floor during the championship, was there a specific moment when you felt the team really took control in that game? Um, I think the whole team we were we were battling like foul trouble, and through the whole game, I think once we hit that fourth quarter, and like because we sat out for like a majority of the third quarter, both having four fouls. So I think once we hit the fourth quarter, it was kind of like these are the last like minutes of the game. It's like go home or win. And I think that that was kind of like the shift for us. Like we had to put it all on the floor, like no matter if we follow, like at the end of the day, it was like for the team and for like the championship. So just playing for each other and just having each other's backs, like yeah. That's a great answer because it's your last game out there together as a team, so just go out and give it your all. And you scored nine of the 11 points in that overtime matchup. So, what was going through your mind to stay focused and dialed in? I know he mentioned that you always have a calm mindset, but what helps you maintain that when you're out there? Um, I think my teammates, like they're just amazing that I can always fall back on and so supportive. And like when things don't go our way on the floor, like we're the first ones to like pick each other up. And that's kind of just Bristol Central Basketball, like the chemistry we kind of build for moments like those and just being able to have each other's back when things do get riled up, like having four falls and the fall trouble that our team is facing, like being able to stay calm and just compose for one another.

Adversity Builds A Tough Team

3:45

Yeah, that's it makes a big difference when you know that you could count on each other out there when it comes down to those tough moments. Absolutely. So, coach, you've built a culture where players on this team seem genuinely connected and willing to sacrifice for one another. So, what standards or values did you emphasize every day in practice? Um, we had a and we we ended practice every day with saying family. And um, I mean, I have these girls over my house for dinner with my wife and kids. Um I we went bowling the year before. We do a bunch of events to build that tightness and that and that connectedness. But um it's it's it's more so that I allow these leaders here to, you know, kind of model what I'm saying and and and push that in practices and games. Um because if I can't trust my leaders, then we're in big trouble. So I kind of put the onus on them to to lead by example and to push and to fight through adversity and and and keep going. And when I have two superstars like these two right here that um that can just take over games at times and do that, uh it kind of helps with when we're dealing with adversity and those types of things where we can rely on these guys to get a big basket and get us calmed down and and and focused on again. So absolutely. And what did you two find was the most effective way to lead the rest of the team? I think just giving everyone confidence, telling them to keep shooting when you miss, telling them to like even jible the ball up the floor sometimes. And I think like when you're on a team, you have to know everyone's strengths and weaknesses. And everyone on our team may not be like the best scorers or ball handlers, but we have like players that just like really fast, really athletic, hustle hard, great defenders. We have like knockdown shooters. I think our team is just like we have so many secret weapons that that's what makes us a good team. Well-rounded, because in those all those different moments leading up to a championship, you need each different player for a different reason. So it all comes in handy. Nicole, the season was not only historic for the program, but also for you individually. You became Bristol Central's all-time leading rebounder, breaking a 33-year-old record with more than 1,032 career rebounds. And you also hold the school scoring record with over 1,700 career points. When do those accomplishments really hit you emotionally? I think the the nights that those events happened, like for me was really special, like being able to like have my teammates and also like my best friends and my family and friends in the stands just like be there for me. But really, I think it was when the season ended, and like after

Foul Trouble And Overtime Focus

6:10

like the weeks following that is when it hit me emotionally, like that like that really did happen, and like my high school career is over, but like how special it was to be able to like accomplish those things in the four years. So yes, I mean your name is connected to those records forever in Bristol Central History, so that's a big accomplishment. Congratulations. Heading into those games when you were breaking those records, did you know ahead of time or were you just kind of focused on winning? I was really just focused on winning because like our end goal this whole season, the past two years, especially falling short last year, was just to make it to Mohikan Sun and go and win for the championship. So I think my focus was just getting through that game and getting through getting the dub. And I think just like coming and having that come along with was like very special. Just an added exactly. Alright, Tamaria, your game stood out throughout the season for your ability to create offensive plays while also making key defensive plays. What's your mindset when you step onto the floor that allows you to stay effective on both ends, especially in those high pressure games? My mindset is just to win, honestly. Um, during the season, I felt like, well, especially in the playoffs, I knew that like teams were like playing hard defense on me, like denying me everything. Making offensive plays, like it's kind of my thing. Like playing point guard, you find your teammates open. I think during the playoffs a lot, I was able to trust my teammates and give them the ball more. Especially on defense. I knew that if I'm not like effective on offense as much, I could like help more on defense. So I was like more focused on defense, and then just finding my teammates and being able to score when I was open was really what I was looking to do. Yeah, that's so important that you're willing to play both sides of the court. Yeah. So what has been the big biggest lesson that you've all learned from this season playing and coaching for this team? And how has it helped you grow off the court as well? The biggest lesson that's helped me is how to be a good leader in times of adversity. Um, our team went through a lot this year, but being able to like be like one steady figure in like all the girls, like life is just like something that like I really tried to push this year, and I think it helps me grow as a basketball player, but also off the court of just being able to be a leader for someone even in like those hard times. Um, for me, I would say it was like fighting through adversity.

The Family Culture In Practice

8:30

Um, not just like the actual adversity, but just the lessons you learn when you're fighting through adversity. Like you learn that support, like I supported my teammates when I was hurt, and just once again like giving people advice and talking to them and learning new things when you're watching the game. Uh I think like adversity made me a better person because like it just taught me that you can't take things for granted, and then it just made me know that like you have to work hard for everything. So you learn that grit and that confidence, and especially coming back from injury, you must have really learned a new perspective. Yeah. It taught me how lucky I am. Um not only for winning the championship and and and having such a special group, but to be a teacher and to be a coach and to be able to mentor and experience these highs and lows with such a special group. Um it's why you become a teacher, it's why you become a coach. Uh you lose sleep at nights going into, you know, preparing for games and things didn't go our way in practice or whatever, but it's so worth it. Everything, the sacrifices, the time away from family, um so worth it to to have these long, lifelong relationships that I'm gonna have with these kids for the rest of my life, and having these memories of this championship, this championship run, even the year before when we lost in the summies. Just all those memories. Um there's nothing like it besides my wife and my kids. There's nothing like it with these guys. So it's amazing. What a special answer. And you will have those connections for the rest of your life. That's the special part about high school athletics, because you always have those connections. I told them all all the time that we're not gonna remember your, you're not gonna remember your stats, you're not gonna remember um all those things uh that you think you're gonna remember. You're gonna remember the moments of laughter, the moments of sadness and the celebration from the championship and all those things and the and the journey that we took to get there. And that's the thing we're gonna they were gonna remember. So it's guys it's a nice metaphor for life as well, because that's what's the special part and fun part about life is those little moments that add up. And I'd like to say congratulations to the both of you for your college commitments. Kamaria, you will be continuing your basketball career at Western Connecticut State University, and Nicole, you'll be continuing yours at Page University. So congratulations. Thank you. What specific training habits, skills, or lessons did you gain from playing in CIC basketball to help put you in a position to earn the opportunity to play at the collegiate level? Um, a

Records, Roles, And Trust

10:55

big thing for me was just like that competitiveness and drive that like the CIC is so competitive and being able to play in a league that like pushes you, and like there were really tough games in our schedule, but I think that's what really like shapes you and like questions how good you really are, like in those hard games, like being able to just like perform at the best level and push yourself to see how far you can go, and I think that really helped me to be able to have the confidence to be able to go play at the next level and yeah, just help you develop. Exactly. I think the biggest thing the CIAC helped me for with the next level is just staying composed. I think when you're playing in a CIAC, you have to stay composed because you have so many like people coming to your games, like you have so many reporters talking all the time, and they're always just like making their opinions, and then you go out to the game and you have to like really show like what you're about for real. And I think it just helps me and like it will help me in college because like the opinions and what other people have to say, like it won't really bother me. Like, I just know like I have to play my game, stay composed. Absolutely. Yeah, that's good practice because at the college level it is a different, different audience that you're facing that's a little bit bigger. But I will say your guys' championship game had the best crowd, it was so energized, it was packed. And we talked a little bit about it, how the student section you celebrated with at the end of the championship. But it was such a fun game, and I think that's what's special about CIZ is you get to play in front of your community, your friends, your family every day. So if you all had to share a piece of advice to fellow athletes and coaches, what would it be? Don't stop believing what you what you believe in. Um we st I struggled, I've I've coached over 20 plus years, and uh the first five to ten were were uh were were not so successful. Um but if you continue to stick to your standards, stick to your beliefs and and coach and and and push your players, um it may not be a state championship, but the success that you you you will get from the relationship you build and the characters that you develop

Lessons, College Prep, And Advice

13:05

are going to be lifelong memories and that make everything worthwhile for being a coach. Keep the main goal, like the main goal. Because if you have a goal, like you'll work towards it, just keep working towards it. You'll meet people along the way, like you'll discover more opportunities, you'll have like great experiences, and just to keep like keep your circle close, like your support system, they'll always be there for you. You'll always have friends to talk to when you're going through things, and then like you'll just be successful. It's great. I would say like really work for the results that you want. Like, if you're not getting the results, like that means like you should change something. Um, especially our team, we put in a lot of work on the offseason, and that's like something that like nobody sees until you get onto the floor, and just like being able to push yourself and have that drive to like go outside for training and just play like the more you play as a team, like the better you're gonna be. And I think that was a big thing for us coming in last year and also this year is just the work that nobody sees, but that's also the most important work. So yeah, just to work hard and persevere and go towards that one goal. That's great. Okay, so now we're gonna head into rapid fire questions, which are super easy and quick. First thing that comes to your mind. You guys already probably know how that this works. Okay, Nicole, favorite basketball memory. Winning the state championship. Can't beat that. Kamaria, toughest opponent of the season. Northwest Catholic. Coach, teaching offense or teaching defense? Defense this year. Yeah. Nicole, pre-game music or silence? Pre-game music. What kind of music? Anything like a beat. Like, yeah. Kamaria, biggest basketball inspiration. LeBron. That's good. You could have gone with Donovan as well. Coach, play calling or player freedom? Play calling. Nicole, pregame superstitions. I like have to do the same routine. Like, I have to like put my shoes on, stretch, then put my knee brace on. And like very like strategically ordered. If the routine works, you gotta stick to it. Kamaria, any team traditions? Pasta dinner. Yeah? Yeah. Before game night? Or going to Chick-fil-A. Oh. After games. After games? Okay. What's the order when you go to Chick-fil-A? That's a big question. Well, actually Nicole put me on. Ever since the season ended, every time I go to Chick-fil-A, I get a cob salad. Ooh. Extra nuggets, but no eggs.

Rapid Fire Traditions And Routines

15:40

No eggs. Okay. That's a good order. Protein. Oh my god. Alright, coach. Favorite part about being a coach. This right here. The relationship you built. Um just you're away. I'm away from my daughters and my wife, and then to be able to experience the friendship and the lifelong memories that we've built. Make it well worth it. The family aspect. Yeah. Nicole, most underrated skill in basketball. Personally, my favorite is a spin move, because it can always work. That's true. Come area, pre-game routine. On the bus. Alright, so it's either on the bus, like it's either I'm like on TikTok, or I just have to like troll, like laugh to get myself like not thinking, like being nervous before the game. When we get to the game, like we have shoot around. I normally like do like close-up shots to get my shot like in rhythm. We warm up, we go in the locker room, we have a talk, we come out, we do the uh like they call your name five-hour thing, and then we all pray. And we wish each other good luck for the game and tell each other we're playing for uh each other, and then we play the game. That's a great routine, it helps you get locked in without like getting nervous. Coach, who has made the biggest impact throughout your coaching career? Um because I can always call them and and talk to them about um my decisions, uh how the games went, and they always had my back and they also led me to being an athlete and playing college baseball and wanting to coach my brothers. That's great to have a sounding board in those moments. So thank you, Coach Gaudet, Nicole Reimer, and Kamaria Bowens for joining me on today's podcast. It was great to share your stories. You had such a special season. Thank you very much. Thanks for having us. Of course.