Girl’s Basketball is a renowned sport in HP, however, this season many players have experienced multiple setbacks that have taken them out of their element with injuries, chemistry issues, and even issues paying attention as they are paying the price dropping games plowing down their record to a measly 2-8 as they end the first half of the season.
The team is currently 2-8, with only two wins in their first 10 games of the season with little to show for it that begins to stir the question, Does the lack of efficiency and attention cause the team to be in this big slump?
Kandie Chavez, a senior, is varsity captain and the team’s star player. Last year she averaged 20.9 points per game as a point guard, leading the league in points and ranked 5th individually in all of Los Angeles. Being such an important figure she acknowledges the team’s struggles.
“Basketball has changed a lot since my freshman year because of all the changes in the team. Losing my coach my sophomore year was one of my biggest challenges because he was the person who developed me into the player I am today” says Kandie, #5
The loss of coach Morales’ affected the team’s mental aspect and the ambition to win games. Nonetheless, after Morales’ absence a new coach was brought in. Coach Hardy is the current coach of the women’s basketball team. Despite not having much experience in coaching he played basketball when he was younger at the competitive level. He is adapting to the team’s play style, however many players lack commitment, making it difficult for Coach Hardy.
Karla Martinez, is a senior and a small forward. Even though she has one year of experience she is ambitious and wants to win more games. Though, she recognizes the team’s disciplinary issues.
“We need to take practice more seriously, because we mess around too much during practice, and don’t take Coach Hardy seriously when he is teaching us drills.” says Karla Martinez, #5
The team’s commitment issues are being reflected by their performance in games. A great team requires the collective efforts of all players, not just a select few. The changes affected many players and could be a reason for their poor production. Through reconstructing the team with Coach Hardy and the current players as there is still hope for this season. Despite the setbacks and changes that occurred many players are still driven to win games. Players understand it’s their last year in the season and want to end on a positive note by winning as many games as possible.
As the team finishes up the first half of the season they look to spend this winter break looking to fix up and discipline any of the issues that resulted in their losses this year, the mountain will be tough to the kind but the Spartans remain hopeful in each other and the coaching staff that they will ultimately turn their season around.
Written by Rudy Chavez, Anchor