Oliver Nguyen
Sugar Beet staff reporter
As the winter sports season continues the basketball teams have been finding success early with the boys team going 7-1 and the girls going 6-2. With Elyssa Salazar and Julie Calzonetti leading the girls’ team in scoring, and Jarod Springston and Carlos Acosta leading the boys’ team in scoring they have had early success with their offenses. These teams have had many factors leading to their early wins.
“Senior leadership, the ability to rebound the ball really well considering our size, and the defense have definitely contributed to our wins, ” Jacy Holloway, head boys coach, said. “This has been one of the better defensive teams that I’ve had in my years coaching. Everyone gets along and we play for each other.”
This team camaraderie has been shown in both teams, and can clearly be seen on the court with their communication and play style. Their willingness to pass the ball to get a better look at the basket and set their teammates in position to not only score, but get a stop can be seen through their years of playing as a team and building their chemistry. They have however not let these wins get to their heads.
“7-1 puts a great feeling in our minds, but we can’t let this hurt our attitude toward other teams. We need to just go out and compete,” Jarod Springston, trade and health senior, said.
The girls basketball season has also started out dominant dropping only two games. Team chemistry and hard work has also been the motto for the team and they have been a formidable force for opponents. Fighting to the last second, the Lady Buffs have fought for every rebound and with the help of the bonding between the coaches and players, this team has a lot of potential to do great things late into the season.
“The basketball season has started out strong for the Lady Buffaloes. We are mentally and physically stronger and are working more as a team. I feel like I’m much stronger than last year as well as more comfortable on the court and I owe a lot of this to my coaches and teammates,” Symone Simmons, trade and health sophomore, said.
With both teams playing with a lot of energy and communication a top priority they will be an exciting team to watch. The boys team will have to focus on their upcoming tournament in Valley Center on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The girls team are focusing on their tournament in Newton next Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Oliver Nguyen is a trade and health academy junior. You can contact him at nguyeno@student.gckschools.com.
Garden City High School 