By Steffanie Baruch
Senior Writer

The girls basketball team started its season on a positive note with wins against Irvington and Kings Academy. The team transferred the less competitive El Camino Division after a mediocre season last year.

Though its key player Jennifer Herrera and captain Lindsey Stephens graduated last year, the team has several standout members.

Sophomores Tara Chafey and Hannah Lippe add new depth to the group. The team also benefits from the leadership of returning seniors and talented juniors. Seniors Leslie Lam, Erin Plank and Emily Reid are valuable assets to the group. Leslie and Erin have been consistent shooters and Emily works well underneath the basket.

“Kristen Powers is a junior who I expect to contribute a lot to the team. Hannah is a strong defender and offensive player. Tara is a very strong and physical player. [They] will learn a lot from playing with Alyce Jorgensen and Emily Reid,” Coach Vern Hubbard said.

Hubbard and assistant coach Melinda Ward lead the team.

“Coach Hubbard is a great coach- very supportive and motivating. We are lucky to have her and [Ward] as coaches,” senior Becky Schultz said.

This year’s team is benefiting from stronger communication and drive.

“There is a new sparkle to the team this year that did not occur last year. We are together more and all get along. We are definitely motivated to do better than last year, where we placed only twelfth in league,” senior Alyce Jorgeson said.

In addition to an enhanced group dynamic, the team has improved in its technical abilities.

“The team has been improving this season by running the ball more efficiently, running more plays and drills, focusing on rebounding and shooting, being stronger underneath the basket and taking open shots,” Alyce said.

Hubbard has a clear view on his aspirations for the season and hopes to lead the basketball team to new heights.

“The team goal from my point of view is to just improve on last year’s season. We have
a majority of the players from last season returning with quality players to fill in the gaps. The one thing that last year’s team was missing was communication. One of the other things that needs improving is our readiness for games and practice,” Hubbard said.

The team participated in the three-day Mount Pleasant Tournament, where they won the cancellation bracket and received a trophy.

“Because we lost one of the tournament games, we played as hard as we could in the next couple and won. The tournament showed us that if we stick together and play hard as a team that we can win our games. It gave us the boost of esteem that we needed,” Alyce said.

They team has been able to work together to win the previous few games, including the one last Thursday against Lincoln High. This week they will participate in the Oak Grove Tournament.