JV Girls' Basketball Team Learns to Compete
This year’s JV girls’ basketball season included many new aspects: a new head coach, the first full season since 2020, and of course many new players led by four returning players. The new season brought with it a feeling of excitement, with the girls even braving a few Monday 6:00 a.m. practices early in the season.
At practices, we implemented man and zone offenses and defenses as well as full-court press and press break. We also continued work on the fundamentals of ball handling, pivoting, passing, shooting, and rebounding. Co-Captains Lina, Catherine, and Priscilla kept the team informed and motivated. Our team mom also coordinated snacks for every game, much to the delight of the whole team!
During our games, wins came against CI (2) and GSIS and against KIS in the tournament. One highlight was the final regular season game at home vs. 2nd-ranked SFS. After a slow start with a score of 0-9, the girls closed the first quarter with six points in rapid succession to get back in the game. We finished the game competitively, scoring 20 points, our second-highest total of the season.
The KAIAC Tournament at GSIS was another opportunity for players to step up. During the season, most of our scoring came from Maya and Claire S, however, during the Tournament, other players contributed in big ways that made the difference. The opening win against the #4 seed KIS, who had narrowly beaten us twice at the Dec 10 jamboree, was a season highlight, not only as our first win against KIS, but it allowed us to play stronger competition and finish in the top four. The semi-final game vs #1 SIS provided another highlight. Down 3-9 at half, and struggling against man-to-man pressure, we chipped away at the lead. We completed the comeback by beating the pressure with Maya’s perfectly executed over-the-top pass to Catherine (off a screen from Claire S) for a breakaway layup, tying the score 10-10 just seconds before the buzzer to end the 3rd quarter. The stands, full of SIS opponents, erupted in cheers! It was a nice recognition of the team’s efforts and capabilities.
The team showed a positive attitude throughout the season. It was a pleasure to see them work together and improve.
Season Record: 3-8
Tournament Record: 1-2
Tournament Finish: 4th place