By: Isabella Valero
Many of Redwood’s sports programs, including girls basketball have had no season to play in during this year because of the on-going pandemic. This left many of the players wondering what was to happen and if they were to continue conditioning for a season that they weren’t going to have. Although VUSD had said that they couldn’t play, the coaches had other plans.
Head Coach, Gary Hylton had received an email on April 12th concluding that Redwood would not have a basketball season this year. He then decided to not be affiliated with Redwood High School, and play as a travel team in order to give the players at least a little bit of experience. The team has been conditioning on the asphalt since February 22nd on the courts of Ridgeview Middle School and have then decided to continue practicing and playing games in tournaments under the name T.H.F (Team, Heart, Family).
Seniors and Their Opinions on the Season
The Redwood Girls Basketball Team of ‘21 had three seniors this year, Katelynn Alvarez, ‘21, Hannah Kearnen, ‘21, and Natalie Robles, ‘21. Their season was not like their previous seasons. Alvarez and Kearnen explain that although their season was unlike any other basketball season they have had before, they were grateful to play nonetheless.
Alvarez states, “I was really disappointed when our season was canceled. I had been looking forward to my senior season ever since I was a freshman on Varsity. It was a bummer for sure but I’m glad we still had the opportunity to play travel ball!”
Kearnen adds, “It was upsetting because we weren’t having a normal season that was going to be one of the highlights of my senior year.”
While they had the opportunity to play travel ball, there were many differences between that and a normal season.
Kearnen states that the main differences were, “We didn’t play the same teams we normally would play, however I enjoyed it because I got to play with the underclassmen as well.”
Alvarez adds that, “Playing against fresh faces everyday made games more interesting and less predictable!”
Another one of the biggest differences for the seniors was the realization that this would be their last time playing ball. Alvarez states, “One of the major differences was that I walked on to every game knowing this was my last season. I have been playing basketball since I was 4, so my life has always been on the court. This season was the end of an era for me, and I definitely cherished it more this year!”
Although this wasn’t a typical season as these seniors had hoped for, they did share some of the best moments and highlights from the time that they spent playing. Alvarez states, “My favorite part of this season was ballin’ with my girls one last time!” She continues, “I also loved our Senior Night game, and coaches for making this season special for us despite the unfortunate circumstances.”
Though the seniors didn’t get their Senior Night in their home gym, they got to have their last game at Immanuel High School in Reedley. According to Kearnen, “The best part about it all was just being able to play.”
Head Coach’s Thoughts on Next Year’s Season
Although the team had no season this year, Head Coach, Gary Hylton has plans for this upcoming season and what it will look like for the players.
He states, “Next year, all home games will be played at Ridgeview Middle School, as the Redwood Gym will be getting upgraded.”
The team has been conditioning since February 22nd of ‘21 so having the opportunity to play on the court has been long awaited for the team. Coach Hylton explains, “On April 12th the district said we would have no season. The girls are very committed and learned a lot during the tough year.”
Coach Hylton’s enthusiasm is shown for the next season as he states, “Next year’s team has the potential of being really good.”
Tags: girls basketball, isabellavalero, redwood basketball, redwood gigantea, redwood journalism, redwood rangers, redwood sports, varsity basketball, varsity sports, varsitygirls
