The varsity girls basketball team headed into the post season with confidence, fueled by intense defense, strong team chemistry and hopes of a successful run at the state tournament.
With momentum from a strong post season, the team made a great run in the state tournament. On the first day of state, they battled against Bothell High School and fought their way into a second day in state, winning by 7 . However, on the second day they suffered a tough loss against number 2 ranked, Davis High School 56-76. On the third day, they played their final game against Gonzaga Prep, losing by 8. The girls varsity team finished with a 22-5 record placing in the top 8 in the state tournament.
Their growth this season was credited to their shared commitment to each other in order to work together and be successful as a team.
The varsity team was ranked first in Wesco and held a 19-3 overall record heading into the state tournament, making them ranked tenth in the state. Junior Noe Tupua emphasized that the team’s defense intensity has played a major role in their success.
“I definitely think our defense, our intensity, has definitely come through a lot…I think we’re very intense on defense and it helps us win a lot of games so far,” Tupua said.
Senior Tessa Anastasi pointed to the team’s ability to consistently shut down opponents as another key factor in their strong record in the normal season.
“We’ve kept teams under 40 points, which is very good considering the sport like we normally keep teams low scoring, which reflects our intense defense,” Anastasi said.
Beyond their on court performance, the players say the team built a close bond throughout the season. Junior Kaetyn Riley explained that trust has strengthened over time.
“We’ve grown a stronger connection, grown a good bond that we can all trust each other on and off the court, which I think is how we’ve grown the most,” Riley said.
Again, Anastasi explained that the team’s mindset goes beyond just scoring, and emphasized that every player contributes in different ways.
“Everybody contributing, and even if you aren’t scoring points, still contributing in other ways, or it’s if you’re on the bench, like being loud and excited for us, and just if something doesn’t go your way, doesn’t mean you can’t support someone else’s successes,” Anastasi said.
The team also reflected on the friendships built through the season, especially with teammates who are graduating soon. Tupua mentioned that she will miss the moments spent with teammates off the court especially since one of the players is her older sister.
“I’ll definitely miss talking to them and just overall, talking to them about the games and stuff and our late hangouts after the games, or just hanging out with them in general,” Tupua said.
Without a doubt the girls varsity basketball team was successful in competing and growing together this season.
