For the Lady Centurions, basketball isn’t just a sport; it’s a family. As the new season approaches, the team is ready to show off their new talent and skills. Freshman Amy Reyes said, “So far, seeing all of our possible lineups, I think it’s going to be a really good season.” Reyes’ hopes for this season are very high.
The Lady Centurions spent a couple of weeks in the gym after school at open gyms to practice and perfect their skills before tryouts came up. Their main focus was to build their consistency and sportsmanship. “We’re really emphasizing teamwork this year,” said Assistant Coach Dorchella James. “Everyone on the team has a role.”
With several returning players and seniors bringing leadership and experience to the team, and the new players offering new skills, the Centurions are looking coordinated and balanced. Reyes said, “Everyone has been putting in hard work. There is a lot of talent in everybody, and we’re all motivated to improve everyday.” Reyes has shown her dedication to the sport even during the off season, showing up to every open gym. “I am very excited to get to play with the returning senior verterans who will be able to start playing at the end of this month,” said Senior Courtlyn Mittchell.
“Our team’s main goal has been communication; we went to CIFs last year and everything was fine, but there was no talking across the court,” said Reyes.
Varsity Head Coach Romie Apostol has been coaching at UC High for about five years and she believes that this season’s team has had more of an advantage than past teams. “We have a lot of new faces this year, so the team has a whole new energy,” said Apostol. “Many of them [new players] are younger, so it’s pushing me into more of a leadership role. It’s exciting to play with them and watch them get better and better every time we step on the court,” said Mittchell. “Right now, preparing in the weight room and on the court is our top priority to get ready to bring a League title back to UC High and maybe even CIF,” said Apostol.
Reyes believes the team has improved shooting wise as Senior Kianna Lefear and Junior Kaylee Gonzalez bring their own strengths to the court. “Let’s see, we have Kianna. She’s a really good shooter on the three point line in the corner. We have Kaylee Gonzalez, she is pretty good at making moves on the key,” said Reyes.
“We got more size this year which is going to help us a lot. But honestly I think our biggest strength will be our attitude. These players are eager to learn, work hard, and play for each other. When you combine that mindset with talent good things tend to happen,” said Apostol. Mitttchell added, “The team has got really good energy this season. Everyone is super friendly and inviting.”
“I was mostly excited for the Santa Fe Christian game because their coaches were my travel ball coaches this summer and I played with some of the girls, so I think it was cool to play against some of them since they used to be my teammates,” said Lefear.
An important goal for the team is to strengthen their bond with one another and make it to CIFs once again. Reyes believes the sisterhood on the team is what matters most and cherishes being able to share their success with one another.
“I think we will have a great chance at winning League this season. We have a lot of new faces who have great potential that can really contribute to the team and we can push eachother to play at our best all the time,” said Lefeaer.
This season, the team hopes to push past the regular season, and play-offs, to make it to CIFs once again and take the victory.