Late Start
By Andrew Huang & Patricia Seto, Staff Writers
The Galileo girl’s varsity basketball team is looking ahead of a rough road, due to a later start then most schools because coach Maria Ramos had to finish her obligations as girls varsity tennis coach, and the loss of five key players from last season’s team. The team is still hoping that they will be well trained in time for the season, and they know that they will have to work twice as hard to make up for loss time. However, although some of the girls are worried about the amount of practice they will have before the season begins, coach Ramos believes it’s not that big of an obstacle for the team.
Some players believe that not starting practice the same time as other schools, could affect their season. Returning starting guard and junior, Bianca Hussein states, “I think it could affect our season because we won’t have time to condition, practice, and build our team chemistry. This season is going to be tough because of our lack of height and practice.” Junior Vanessa Bis adds, “It will be harder for us to absorb plays in such little time especially with inexperienced players on the team that need more time to catch on.”
Despite the player’s beliefs, coach Ramos doesn’t believe that the team is starting much later than any other school, and won’t it affect the team. She claims, “Most schools started the same time we did because many of their girls played fall sports so we aren’t really behind.”
Another obstacle the team is facing is the lost of five graduating seniors from last year: Melissa Wong, Jay Yao, Christina Trinh, Kristin Huie, and (M.V.P.) Courtney Chew. As a result, the team only has six returning players, but Ms. Ramos also doesn’t believe the loss of these players will play a factor in their season. She states, “We don’t talk about the past. We only focus on the present.”
Even though the team has many obstacles ahead of them, the returning players are stepping up to become leaders for the new girls on the team. Returning guards and seniors, Sydnie lee and Camille Bustos are rounding up their team before practices and after practices, to talk about what they should concentrate on during practice.
Another way that the girls are trying to focus more on the season is by eating healthier, sleeping earlier, so they can get into tip top basketball shape. With the late start and lack of practices, the girls are trying to make up for the loss time by having more intense afterschool practices. Senior captain Sydnie Lee, states, “We’re going to EAT, SLEEP, BASKETBALL!”
Above all, the main goal is for the season is to make it a memorable one. Sydnie Lee says, “Our goal would probably be playing basketball with dedication and heart. Winning is definitely a goal, but we’re just trying to have fun this season while improving our game.” Vanessa adds, “I just want to make the most out of the season and be a successful team.” Ms. Ramos adds, “Our goal is to have a positive team atmosphere, work hard and give 110% on and off the court.”
Ms. Ramos believes the girls on the team are capable of making the season a good one. She stated, “The group of girls we have, have a real good vibe and they are hard workers meaning they will produce in games.”
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