by Diego Hernandez 

In the 2020 6A district playoffs, both girls and boys varsity basketball faced off numerous schools ending with nail-biting ends to their season. Boys as well as girls ended in their second round for area with a tight loss of 57-58 against Judson in the fourth quarter. Girls finished strong through halftime, but cut short at 28-44 against Judson. Sophomore varsity player, Mia Thompson, shares that the reason for the girls success and placement is due to their sense of family.

   “I feel as a team and sisterhood we grew this season and earned it by putting in the work together,” Thompson said. 

  Along with a sense of family, another basis for a team’s success consists of the intensity and performance skills taught by the head or assistant coaching staff. The girls lost to Judson Monday, February 24, and boys to Judson Friday, February 28th, excelling the pre-made season schedule. Junior Adam Benhayoune, states that his team’s success comes from his coach.

Carleigh Wenzel takes the ball back down the court.

Photo by Chris Reid.

  “I think it’s the coaching, if you line us up against any team in the district without our coaching we wouldn’t be who we are,” Benhayoune said. 

  In the past, both teams have achieved playoff level and have been known to other competing schools as a higher calibrator performing team. However, these reasons do not mean a student should not try to join their ranks, senior Gabriel Thompson shares his advice for incoming freshman or students who wish to try out,

  “High school is going to be hard and overwhelming, don’t go crazy stressing out you need to prove to yourself you can do it,” Thompson said.

  One possible relief on potential athletes can be found outside of school in the leagues or training sessions offered for the given sport. Basketball training can be found in the AU league or the KEY center for Basketball located in downtown San Antonio. Senior Victoria Adeniran informs of her pre-highschool training.

  “I play AU, and I also attend college camps in the summers, they have really helped me out and given me the confidence to perform as well as I do with high school.”

 With the growth from high school ball, these athletes obtain skills that can be used after graduation, possibly college or ault league.Senior Brandon Pearson shares his goals beyond high school.

  “I’ve played on teams and I’ve been very grateful for all that they’ve taught and given me, but now i’ll be moving on directly to Northwest Vista.”  

  Playoffs began for the girls varsity on February 17, against Roosevelt high school with a 58-35 win, leading to a 73-55 win versus Clemens and ending against Judson with a loss of 28-44. Boys began Tuesday, February 25, with a win against Roosevelt 63-62 and ending with a loss also to Judson high school 57-58 on Friday, February 28