Basketball sets sights on C.I.F.

With an overall record of 14-9, the Girls Varsity Basketball team looks forward to finishing the rest of the season with a shot at competing in C.I.F.. The team is third in the Rio Hondo League Standings and tenth in the Southern Section Division 2A Girls Basketball Standings.
The Rams won against Monrovia, 52-45, on Feb. 3 during the home game. Monrovia proved to be a difficult opponent during the first half. Despite the Wildcats’ six point lead by the first half, the Rams teamwork allowed them to pull ahead and led them to their victory.
During their away game at San Marino, the team won 53-39 on Jan. 27. The team’s next away game took place at La Cañada, where the Rams lost with a final score of 44-25. During the first quarter, the Rams tied with the Spartans but lost their momentum during the later quarters.
In the home game against South Pasadena on Jan. 22, the Rams lost 52-4. The team played well during the beginning quarters but slowly fell behind South Pasadena. During the fourth quarter, they tried to make a last minute comeback but it was not enough to beat the Tigers.
“We lost against South Pasadena because of lack of communication on defense, not hitting shots when it was crucial and getting ahead of ourselves,” Senior Tiffany Chan said. “The only obstacle we have is ourselves. It is the small mistakes we make that cost us a game.”
The team played against Blair at a home conference on Jan. 20 and won with a score of 70-19, demonstrating the hard work and effort the team put into its vigorous practices.
Although the Rams have been doing well, they continue to struggle to work as a unit. In order to unify the team, members practice shooting and passing drills in addition to going over games for three hours four times a week in order to make sure that they are in their best condition.
“Every time we practice we come in prepared and ready to work hard,” Junior Natalie Wu said. “Without sweat and pain there would be no point of games. Even though practice has no glory there would be no glory without it.”
To ensure that there will not be any misunderstandings when future games are in progress, the Rams are focused on improving their communication skills.
“As a team, our goal is to play together and keep constant communication on and off the court,” Chan said. “We want ourselves to have a stronger connection so that we play as one. Also, we keep up a good energy by encouraging each other during games and practices.”