After finishing 17-7 last year, making it to the second round of the CCS playoffs, and remaining in the Gabilan Division, the girls’ basketball team hope to keep on improving and hope to reach their team goals.
This year, the team returned all of the girls from last season. The only additions are sophomore forward Syree Barrios and senior guard Alexandra Hernandez, who both played for the JV team last year. “I can trust any player in my squad, and it’s really great to have everyone back and have that trust within all of my thirteen players,” Coach Claudia Moran said.
The returners include seniors Lesly Rodriguez and Yulissa Alvarez; juniors Isabella Gonzalez, Audreyna Ruiz, Alyssa Annis, Aileen Gonzalez, and Chole Henry; and sophomores Nayeli Gil-Silva, Janelle Medina, Yarit Rodriguez, and Mia Rivera. “Having the same team is really nice, we all know how we play together, and we’re just comfortable with each other,” Hernandez said.
As it’s Alvarez’s senior year, she hopes to continue improving and leading by example. Her focus is to be able to keep on providing for the team and putting her part in. “I want to make the best out of my last season, have no regrets, and just leave it all on the court,” Alvarez said.
During the summer, the girls were able to build a stronger relationship with each other and improve on their own skills as they participated in summer league and went to a couple of tournaments in preparation for a higher chance to win CCS. “The team is great, they’re bonding, they know each other really well,” Moran said. “Everyone improved and put in the work.”
Moran’s a little concerned with the team’s youth, but she has seen some maturity and growth from last year.
Through the five preseason games, the team is 4-1. “It feels good to come back and win our first couple of games, we’re starting off strong,” Gil-Silva said. Moran said that she is very happy with what she’s seeing in the team, but she wants to take it one game at a time.
So far the players are really enjoying their season. “It’s been fun, there’s already been lots of funny moments at practice, and it’s just been really nice seeing the team grow,” Annis said.
Last season, the team came up short in several games against North High, who had a heavy senior roster. “We played a great game against big teams like North High and Hollister,” Moran said. “Our young team didn’t have the maturity back then, but this year everyone came back ready to compete and ready to make a big statement.”
