photo by Asia Maines-Goff
CAPTION: Varsity starter, sophomore Larisa Sanchez takes on two of the Taft Raiders, breaking up a double team and looking to pass or score.
The Lady Husky Basketball team takes on the Brandeis Broncos tomorrow at 3pm at the NISD Gym, looking to improve upon their already solid performance this season, as they stand with an overall record of 18-9 and at 8-6 in district play.
Head Coach Gerald Mccaslin offers insight into how the team has improved this season, and their approach down the stretch.
“Personally I learned to trust my players more and believe that they will be able to turn on the eagerness to play and get focused when they need to be,”Mccaslin said. “The team has definitely improved in taking care of the ball, paying attention to the small details, and applying whatever our game plan is to the game. They’ve learned that not everyone can be the main scorer or be the leading rebounder. They’ve all contributed in their own way to win a game.”
When asked about players to watch through the end of the season, he had a few in mind.
“Definitely, Alissa Martinez number 22,” he said. “She has been the most consistent player that we have this year. Every game she comes prepared to play and has averaged in a double double. Also our new player Lanay Wheaton number five, who by the end of the season will probably be known as the best guard that we have in the district. She’s pretty much that good. It’s all about getting her to believe it and letting everyone else feel the outcome when she does.”
While the team rolls forward, they’ve also dealt with their fair share of setbacks.
“We have had two significant injuries Raelynn Tey and Amaya West,” McCaslin said. “Raelynn going down hurt us a little bit because we lost speed and experience from a senior spot. Losing Amaya, which was our all district player last year, hurt us also, but she should be back by the second half of district. I’m expecting her to come back and fill her role as a player to make a major impact on the rest of the season.”
We asked Coach Mccaslin what fans can do to best support the team down the stretch.
“Girls basketball is not that popular as other boy’s sports, so I would say to just come out, because right now we’re playing really well and winning games,” he said. “Come out and support us we would appreciate it a lot.”
Fans can do just that tomorrow at NISD Gym at 3pm.