Reagan McCracken and Mackenzie Roesner step up as rookie starters for Lincoln-Way West. ‘I was a little nervous.’

For Lincoln-Way West guard Reagan McCracken, it’s an honor to be a freshman starter on varsity.

But here’s a flash — it isn’t easy, especially when you’re facing down players who are three years older than you and teams that are among the best in the Chicago area.

“At first, I was a little nervous to shoot and do a lot of different things because I thought the girls were a little better,” she said. “But once I started playing and shooting, I was able to do a lot better.”

Good thing McCracken has a solid support network. That includes teammate guard Mackenzie Roesner, a freshman guard who also starts.

McCracken and Roesner played basketball together in eighth grade at Liberty Junior High in New Lenox, although they were on separate AAU teams.

Lincoln-Way West coach Ryan White said it didn’t take long to realize they could be immediate varsity contributors.

“The discussion came up in eighth grade,” White said. “They were two — ‘let’s give them a shot in the summer.’ They showed they can compete there, and it kind of transformed into the fall. We had an idea they could do it.”

The pair, who are making names for themselves, want to be a factor for Lincoln-Way West (7-9, 2-1) as Southwest Suburban Red play unfolds.

Nowhere was that more apparent than a tight 55-49 loss to powerful Lyons on Dec. 28 in a Morton College Holiday Tournament game.

With the Warriors trailing 47-37, the freshmen played defense that was tough enough to hold off the Lions and allow them to use a 12-2 run to force a tie with 1:37 to go.

Lincoln-Way West couldn’t finish off Lyons, but McCracken and Roesner impressed their older teammates nonetheless, in particular senior guard Peyton Madl.

“I think they have been doing phenomenal,” Madl said. “I know it’s nervous coming up to the varsity. Keep reinforcing they can do it.”

Madl scored 15 points against Lyons, including five in a row in that big late run. Junior forward Caroline Smith added 16 points, with 14 in the second half.

“When I was a freshman, it was definitely a faster pace than what I was used to,” Smith said. “Just giving them time, they’re doing great out there. Keep praising them and telling them, ‘Good job.’ And if they mess up, ‘Let’s get the next one.’”

They’ve been doing that. Roesner is averaging six points, two rebounds and two assists. McCracken, who began starting in mid-December, checks in at three points and two rebounds.

The key for her success, according to McCracken, is to make every effort to put any nerves aside and just play the game. In other words, simply be herself.

“Coming from eighth grade to here is a huge difference,” she said. “Our teammates push us to be better and help us at the varsity level.”

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While opposing players may be stronger and more physical, Roesner had to adapt to another important thing.

“The speed of the game is a lot faster pace,” she said. “It’s a big adjustment.”

The freshmen are also cognizant of what they are learning as far as leadership. One day, they will be Madl and Smith, with the other girls looking to them for direction in games and overall support.

That time could be sooner than later, considering the trial-by-fire season they have had so far.

But there’s one more element that has made their initial varsity season special — and that’s the fun they’re having.

“On and off the court, it’s fun to be around the older girls and experience playing with them,” McCracken said.

Gregg Voss is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.