By Ale Ibarra Posted December 8, 2016
Kicking off the season with a 53-32 win against Pershing County marks a good start for girls’ varsity basketball this year.
Based on what happened throughout the tournament, these girls are just where they want to be at this point.
“We came out slow in the first quarter [of the first game], but in the second quarter, we warmed up and started making our shots, and I think we did better together as a team,” said sophomore Sydney Connors. “I think we did better than expected. Damonte is known for a really good team, but we came out tough and worked hard for the win.”
Despite playing against Piedmont, a California team, the girls remained positive, and it paid off.
“It was a tough one, definitely, but we came out with the win and came back from a twelve-point deficit,” said Alyssa Kuskie.
Emphasizing the team’s position after the tournament, Kuskie said, “I feel pretty good, I mean, we have a lot to work on, but it’s really early in the season, and we never gave up when we could’ve at certain points of all the games. I think we’re just finding out rhythm, so I think we played very well.”
Head coach Chelsea Cabatbat was proud of her girls despite the little mistakes.
“Overall, the girls played hard. We definitely have things to work on,” said Cabatbat. “It’s early in the season, and there are always ways to improve. We will continue to work on things and get better as a team.”
Even though this team needs to improve in certain areas, they will continue to grow not only as players but as individuals as well.
“It is always amazing to me from November to February how much these girls grow. It takes time for them to figure each other out and our system,” said Cabatbat. “These girls work hard, believe in each other, so good things will happen.”
Varsity won all three games of the tournament, which were: Damonte Ranch 50-40, Spanish Springs 50-45, and Piedmont 57-54.
The girls will be back in action to play Fallon on Tuesday, December 6, and Fernley on Saturday, December 10.
“We are going to do what we do,” said Cabatbat. “It will be a team effort, and everyone will play an important role. We must be ready to play and put four quarters together.”
