By: Brandon Teela
Redwood boys and girls basketball started off their league play rough but have recently seemed to figure it out.
The boys sit at 4-3, second place in league. After starting out 0-3, they faced El Diamante, and dominated from tip-off. Led by seniors Malachi Aguilar, Zack Salazar, and Nick Trevino, the team looked as if they were 3-0. Winning that game 80-49, it started the confidence that is displayed now.
Salazar says that the team is, “really starting to believe in [themselves]”. Zack explains that the team works really hard in practice and that is what turned it around. Salazar explains, “We just need to keep doing what were doing and if we do that, it’ll all pay off.”
As a senior Salazar has considered himself a leader for the younger guys. Taking them under his wing and always being there for them, on and off the court. Zack explains that Karimi is one of those guys, and our team is happy when other players do well, because when they win the whole team wins.
Trevino says that the key is the newfound intensity and willingness to do whatever necessary to win is the key to what they have become. Trevino says, “I feel like this team is more than willing to sacrifice everything to win.”
Nick says that “we have a really young team, but the young guys play like seniors, they do exactly what they are supposed to.” After a rough start he explains that there is a, “heightened amount of accountability throughout the whole team.”
Aguilar led the team again with 25 points Tuesday against Golden West, in a 51-32 win and again on Thursday with 35 points in a double overtime 78-69 win over Hanford. The Rangers now on a 5 game win streak sitting first in WYL.
The Lady Rangers basketball team also started 0-3, but have also recently found their stride winning 5 games in a row and now in third place at 4-3.
Krissy Hetherington, ’21, explains that she feels it all starts with her. Saying, “Being a captain has challenged me to lead the team, and hold myself at a higher standard than I ever had.” Krissy really believes in her team because they have grown so much and continue to grow everyday. She explains that “[she] sees the potential, they have pushed themselves to play a higher level.”
As a point guard Krissy finds herself making plays not only for herself but others on the court. She focuses on pushing the tempo and making sure that everyone hears the coach. She says, “Being a point guard has allowed me to lead the team and make plays that puts our team in the best position to do good.”
As one of the biggest pieces for the team, Janessa Haro, ’20, has led the team as one of two seniors. With such a young team she has taken responsibility as a leader. Janessa is a reliable scorer and can be depended on to make the right play to put her team in a winning position.
Boys and Girls basketball close out their seasons next week with two remaining games against Hanford, El Diamante, and Mt. Whitney.